Prozac and Tiredness: What Users Say

• Pea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 5, 2020

For Anxiety and Stress "I was prescribed Prozac for anxiety and depression. I started the first week only taking 10 mg and moved to 20 mg in week two. I’ve been taking this medication for less than a month, but I already feel so much better. I would spend about 2-3 nights a week crying from worry and stress. I also suffer from PMDD, and a week before my periods, I would become extremely depressed. Since I started taking Prozac, I haven’t had any crying spells. I'm much calmer now, able to think clearly about things instead of getting overwhelmed with stress. I also feel way more motivated in my daily life and actually look forward to the future instead of being scared of it. The only side effects I experienced were a little bit of nausea and feeling tired (this lasted the first two weeks, but it’s gone now.) Everyone reacts differently to medication, so don’t let the bad reviews scare you!"

• Zee...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 8, 2020

For Depression "I've suffered with mental health issues since I was a teenager, and I am now nearly 30. I've tried different medications, such as sertraline and venlafaxine, and couldn't stand the side effects, so I gave up. This medication, Prozac, has been so helpful. Apart from yawning, I've had no other side effects. I have more energy, feel more productive, calmer, and a little more confident. I've only been on it for a month, and after the first week, I felt so much better. Hoping it will stay like this! BPD traits, anxiety, depression."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have spent a lot of time reading threads on Prozac. They have all been very helpful during these past few months so I thought I should share my own experiences just in case anyone out there might find it helpful. I started Prozac 20mg about 2 months ago. I always knew I had anxiety and mild depression and was always curious about taking antidepressants. But when my boyfriend and I broke up, I literally went to my psych doc the very next day. I had done my research on ADs and thought that Prozac would be the best for me. My doc agreed. I kept a log every single day I took Prozac starting from Day #1 until Day #30. It took 24 days before I started feeling little random bursts of happiness. But up until day #24, it was pure torture. It hurt to smile, I completely lost my appetite, I could not sleep, I was sad, I experienced so much anxiety, it was painful. But thanks to reading all these threads, I did not give up and was hopeful that things will get better just as everyone said it will. Every day after Day #24 just seemed to have gotten better and better. And on Day #30, it finally hit me, and I understood what Prozac is all about. Yes, it is true that it is a life saver. If I had to put it in just two words to explain how I feel on Prozac, I would have to say “Calm” and “Clear”. But I’m not finished just yet… after a few weeks, I started feeling like the 20mg wasn’t really working. So my doc increased my dose to 40mg. This time around, I almost gave up and went back to 20mg, but thankfully I did not. For 3 weeks of taking 40mg, I was so tired, fatigued, and lethargic. I did not experience this on 20mg, and I was constantly hungry too. So after week #3, I called my doc, so I can make an appointment to go back down to 20mg, he was out of town, so I had to wait. When his office called me back to schedule me in, the awful side effects of 40mg were gone, and I was back to feeling clear, calm, and happy again. So here is my own personal advice from my own journey with Prozac… I’ve been on it for a little over 2 months. You have to get worse before you get better. No matter what you think, YOU WILL GET BETTER. Prozac is literally reprogramming and rewiring your brain, and that TAKES TIME. Side note: I’m 31 years old and ex-boyfriend and I are back together and happy. So were all those days of torture worth it? It sure was."

• Cal...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 15, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I have spent a lot of time reading threads on Prozac. They have all been very helpful during these past few months so I thought I should share my own experiences just in case anyone out there might find it helpful. I started Prozac 20mg about 2 months ago. I always knew I had anxiety and mild depression and was always curious about taking antidepressants. But when my boyfriend and I broke up, I literally went to my psych doc the very next day. I had done my research on ADs and thought that Prozac would be the best for me. My doc agreed. I kept a log every single day I took Prozac starting from Day #1 until Day #30. It took 24 days before I started feeling little random bursts of happiness. But up until day #24, it was pure torture. It hurt to smile, I completely lost my appetite, I could not sleep, I was sad, I experienced so much anxiety, it was painful. But thanks to reading all these threads, I did not give up and was hopeful that things will get better just as everyone said it will. Every day after Day #24 just seemed to have gotten better and better. And on Day #30, it finally hit me, and I understood what Prozac is all about. Yes, it is true that it is a life saver. If I had to put it in just two words to explain how I feel on Prozac, I would have to say “Calm” and “Clear”. But I’m not finished just yet… after a few weeks, I started feeling like the 20mg wasn’t really working. So my doc increased my dose to 40mg. This time around, I almost gave up and went back to 20mg, but thankfully I did not. For 3 weeks of taking 40mg, I was so tired, fatigued, and lethargic. I did not experience this on 20mg, and I was constantly hungry too. So after week #3, I called my doc, so I can make an appointment to go back down to 20mg, he was out of town, so I had to wait. When his office called me back to schedule me in, the awful side effects of 40mg were gone, and I was back to feeling clear, calm, and happy again. So here is my own personal advice from my own journey with Prozac… I’ve been on it for a little over 2 months. You have to get worse before you get better. No matter what you think, YOU WILL GET BETTER. Prozac is literally reprogramming and rewiring your brain, and that TAKES TIME. Side note: I’m 31 years old and ex-boyfriend and I are back together and happy. So were all those days of torture worth it? It sure was."

• OCD...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• March 9, 2022

For Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I was very nervous to try Prozac because of my horrible hypochondria and fear of trying new medicines. I was constantly struggling with OCD intrusive thoughts and compulsions, as well as TERRIBLE anxiety. I felt as though my OCD and being in a constant state of worry were taking over my life. I’m 29 years old, work full time & decided that this way no way to live. I caved and started 10mg daily. Week 1 I was exhausted and in a fog. Week 2 was brutal, I had peak anxiety and OCD. I almost felt manic. I had a panic attack, was nauseous, & couldn’t eat. Week 3 I started feeling better, I noticed my intrusive thoughts weren’t constantly haunting me. Week 4 I woke up one day and felt like a new person. I no longer have intrusive thoughts or OCD “routines”, irritability is nearly gone, and I’m not in a constant state of worry. I feel 100x better, Prozac has changed my life. I’m posting this for people who are nervous to try. Try fighting through the side effects, it’s SO worth it."

• 13A...
• Taken for 10 years or more
• November 20, 2019

For Depression "I was started on this medication at a very low dose in college. I suffer from depression & anxiety; after a few weeks, the depression started to slowly go away - minimal side effects, mainly less energy. I have been on and off it, trying other options since then, and nothing has helped as much. Zoloft & Paxil did not have an impact. I stopped taking it after feeling better for a long time, but my depression came back and was much worse. Now, finally getting it under control. I personally don't like taking any medicine, but this one has helped me a great deal - the side effects (especially being really tired) at least for me went away after the first month. I hope if you are reading this, with medicine or not, you are well and taking the best care of yourself possible =)"

• Chu...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• August 7, 2019

For Depression "35-year-old black man with generalized anxiety and depression. On Prozac, I definitely feel weak, tired, but not so much of lucid dreams and never had a problem falling asleep. I've noticed myself smiling more, willing to go out with family, and also I'm thinking differently about my life and who I am. 2 weeks into meds."

• Hap...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• February 3, 2025

For Depression "I’ve been married to my husband for three years. He seemed happy, laughing all the time, and was in tune with me. My best friend. A month into the marriage, and he changed. He reminded me of Eeyore…always down, always negative. Forgetful. Distant. I have depression and ADHD, so I noticed depression in him. He has never been diagnosed, but it is obvious. He said he tried Lexapro years ago but didn’t stay on it. Then he got on Zoloft, which made him feel tired all the time. As of two days ago, he’s been on Prozac, and I personally already see a HUGE difference! From an outside perspective, I am impressed. He’s started talking again, asking me questions, talking about random things like the birds outside, making comments about movies we have watched on TV, he asked me to make him lunch for tomorrow, he even said goodnight to me! You have to understand that he had almost completely shut down. He has life in him again! I’m super impressed!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I've always struggled with ADHD/anxiety my entire life. I was leery about taking meds due to the way society has put such a bad name on it, and I felt less of a person by taking it. I finally let my doctor convince me to take Prozac 20mg, and it's the best thing I've done for myself and my family. I feel like the person I've always been meant to be. I can think more clearly and handle stressful situations. I'm a wife and mother and can say my marriage has improved as little things don't bother me like before. I have more patience with my kids and have become closer with them. At first, I was constantly tired and hungry and almost had no desire to do anything, but after reading reviews, I decided to push forward, and after 6 weeks, everything changed. My exhaustion went away, and a more normal appetite came back. It's been 2 months, and I feel like I have more energy and am enjoying life so much more! My advice is to not give up. It takes time and has the ability to change things for the better!"

• Bri...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 6, 2019

For Anxiety and Stress "I've always struggled with ADHD/anxiety my entire life. I was leery about taking meds due to the way society has put such a bad name on it, and I felt less of a person by taking it. I finally let my doctor convince me to take Prozac 20mg, and it's the best thing I've done for myself and my family. I feel like the person I've always been meant to be. I can think more clearly and handle stressful situations. I'm a wife and mother and can say my marriage has improved as little things don't bother me like before. I have more patience with my kids and have become closer with them. At first, I was constantly tired and hungry and almost had no desire to do anything, but after reading reviews, I decided to push forward, and after 6 weeks, everything changed. My exhaustion went away, and a more normal appetite came back. It's been 2 months, and I feel like I have more energy and am enjoying life so much more! My advice is to not give up. It takes time and has the ability to change things for the better!"

• MyD...
• July 18, 2019

For Major Depressive Disorder "I have suffered from MDD for 4 years before I got my diagnosis. By the time of my diagnosis, I had mental breakdowns every night, was completely withdrawn from all friends and family, and my grades went from straight A’s to straight D’s. I was tired, numb, and sick. I tried to kill myself twice. Then I started Prozac at 10mg and then up to 40 mg. Three years later, I was finally able to get my life back together. It takes several months for Prozac to take effect. For me, it was an entire year. For sure, it’s no miracle cure, but I was less empty and less tired. Prozac is not a happy pill. It won’t fix your problems. It won’t make life seem infinitely better. It won’t undo the damage. Nothing will. It will only give you the opportunity to make everything better again. And for me, that was opening up to others and seeking the help I needed. I'm doing better now. Prozac did its job. Now I have to do mine."

• ann...
• January 27, 2014

For Depression "I had slipped into a depression following some traumatic life events. The mornings were worse and often unbearable. I became suicidal. I was also agitated. I was desperate and went to a GP and was prescribed fluoxetine 20mg. I have been taking them for six weeks and feel so much better. Mood has lifted and morning depression has stopped. It's saved my life. Side effects were a sore throat and cold symptoms which lasted four days. Yawning as well. Best thing I ever did was admit I had a problem and take medicines."

• Sum...
• January 26, 2021

For Depression "I have been on fluoxetine for a week now for bipolar and borderline personality disorder. I was prescribed 20 mg. I took my first 20 mg pill in the morning, and that entire day I felt awful. I was so exhausted, felt 'high', couldn't think, felt sedated, and my anxiety was through the roof. The next day, I decided to reduce my dosage in half. I split the pill and took just 10 mg that morning. I felt so much better. I had energy throughout the day without overwhelming tiredness or sedation. I have been taking 10 mg since then and continuously feel better and better. I was extremely scared of starting a medication like this, but I do not regret it now. I have started feeling real things again. I'm feeling emotions instead of mimicking them when I am supposed to. I have snapped a lot less. I am much calmer and a lot more patient. I have more energy. I just expect to keep getting better from here! Highly recommend 10 mg if you are struggling with the 20 mg (especially if you have any sort of anxiety/panic issues)."

• kne...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 29, 2016

For Anxiety and Stress "I am 25 years old and I have been dealing with anxiety and depression for most of my life. My GP prescribed me Fluoxetine 20mg and I have been taking it for 2 months now. I could see results within the first 2 weeks - things that bothered me every day were slowly diminishing. It's not like they weren't in the back of my mind, but it's almost like a wall was keeping me from thinking about those issues excessively. Essentially, I don't care about petty things anymore, and I am genuinely happy now! I still have anxiety/panic attacks, but they are not as extreme as they once were. I did have side effects initially: indigestion, headache, fatigue, weakness, yawning, loss of appetite, and nausea. Those have diminished greatly now."

• jun...
• May 18, 2013

For Bulimia "So I've been on 20mg Fluoxetine for three weeks, and I never thought I'd ever go a day without binging again or purging. I feel happier, my relationship is so much better. I can go to family BBQs and focus on them and not the plentiful food. Some cons are: delayed or nonexistent orgasm, low libido, yawning. How I look at it is I was too depressed, hating myself, and bloated from bulimia to want to have sex anyway! At least now I feel much better in my own skin, and I'm so rarely bloated, when before I couldn't remember the last time I wasn't bloated. I was insecure in every situation and in all clothing. I suffered for a long time, and to see how much relief I've gotten from just 20mg of this tiny pill is a miracle."

• Odd...
• October 16, 2013

For Bulimia "I have suffered from Bulimia for about 10 years, and at different stages, I was binging/purging up to 5 times a day. Over the years, I have tried so many medications, but Prozac is the first to really assist. I started on 20mg, which has recently increased to 40mg. This is the only medicine/therapy that has dramatically decreased my impulse to binge/purge. I am feeling so happy within myself, and it has really assisted with my depression and low energy levels too. One odd side effect I have noted is that I am yawning a lot, a small price to pay to being in control of my eating and mood. This is definitely worth a try if you are having bulimic symptoms and I recommend it highly. Good luck."

• Anonymous
• October 27, 2010

For Anxiety and Stress "I started taking this medication because my doctor thought that I had too much stress and anxiety in my life, which was causing me to feel like I couldn't breathe. I have never taken any anti-anxiety, depression medicines before, and was very skeptical. The first few days to the first few weeks were not so great. I felt tired, depressed, and just plain crappy. I worked through it and kept taking the medication. I am now a month into the medication and I feel great. I can concentrate on class and other tasks much better without worrying about other things. My relationships are much better with my husband and child. So far so good!"

• Tom...
• April 19, 2017

For Anxiety and Stress "Personal experience: 1. Put up with the initial uncomfortable feelings of dizziness, increased anxiety, insomnia, lethargy (the anxiety is usually your fears related to taking medicine and the 'what ifs'. Medicine alone cannot make you think bad things). 2. After 2 weeks (yes, I was one of the unlucky few who had very bad side effects for all that time, but I stuck with it), the therapeutic effects start coming through eventually. 3. Don't just assume medicine will make you completely happy, you still need to actively change your life to fix the root causes of anxiety or depression, i.e., do meditation, quit drinking, do CBT, take up exercise, see a therapist, be around people more."

• mys...
• January 9, 2013

For Anxiety and Stress "After reading all the reviews, I decided to try Prozac. I am extremely sensitive to medications and have been on many different antidepressants, usually stopping due to side effects. My doctor gave me the liquid Prozac so I could take a tiny amount and work my way up. Initially, I experienced loss of appetite, nausea, slight dizziness, tiredness, and weight loss. I am 8 weeks out, and most side effects have improved. I feel so much better. Anxiety is low to nonexistent, clear thinking, hope has returned. I am still dealing with grief from my mother's death, but I feel better equipped to handle it. That is a miracle! I take 2mg, yes 2mg, and when I go higher, I can't tolerate the side effects."

• Anonymous
• December 6, 2010

For Panic Disorder "I was diagnosed with Panic Disorder and Major Depression, which was a total panic in itself. My doctor and therapist both agreed that I should take an antidepressant. I was so scared of the medicine because of the panic disorder that I tried other remedies first. I did EMDR cognitive thinking as well as many others. After a few months of therapy, and depression getting worse, I decided to give it a try. It has saved my life. If you are scared, it is worth it. The side effects for me lasted about 2 days and were very minimal, really just dry mouth and tired, that was about it. I have only been taking this medication for 3 weeks and feel awesome. I have some anxiety, but I am able to control it the way any other human should and can. I recommend it."

• Ela...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 18, 2015

For Anxiety and Stress "I had my 2nd baby 5 months ago and was having postpartum depression symptoms that turned into extreme anxiety. I was always irritated and very short-tempered. My 8-year-old had to hear me screaming and fighting with my husband, and I felt so bad for her. I finally made it to the doctor and was prescribed Prozac. It is literally saving my life! I feel happier and less stressed. I don't know if it's making me tired since I have an infant and I'm tired anyway. Although it's been a short time that I'm taking it, I definitely feel the difference!"

• Nin...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 21, 2021

For Anxiety and Stress "I had been on several different medications, and nothing worked. I started with a new doctor, and she suggested Prozac. I had heard horrible things about the side effects, but she encouraged me to try it. We started at 10 mg. The first couple of weeks, I have to admit I felt nauseous, tired, and disoriented. I talked to my doctor, and she said to give it time, and we upped the dose to 20 mg. About 3 weeks in, what a difference! I have never felt better in my life. I finally feel like the real me. People at work are asking what I’ve done because I radiate happiness and joy. I have a stressful job and am going through a horrible divorce. A year ago, I couldn’t have handled any of it, but now I know I can. This drug literally saved my life. Please give it a chance to work. It will be worth it!"

• Sid...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 22, 2019

For Depression "I’ve been on generic Prozac for three weeks. I take it at bedtime. My side effect symptoms are I am nauseous every morning, sweating, feeling very weak, and tiredness seems not to let up. I think I’m going to stop, as I can’t take the nausea every day, and I can’t even drink coffee. I have zero appetite until later in the day. It makes me definitely feel worse than the health anxiety I have. Anyone else? I literally feel miserable."

• Gre...
• Taken for 1 to 2 years
• May 1, 2013

For Depression "I have been taking Prozac for a little over a year. I started out taking 20 mg, then switched to 40 mg 2 months after I started taking it. It helped me with the feelings of worthlessness, feeling like a failure, and my thoughts of taking myself out of the pain. I finally saw a mental health doctor who diagnosed me with severe depression and increased my dosage to 60 mg a day. I feel much better, and the little things don't send me over the edge like they used to. I do have side effects such as dry mouth, always tired, increased/decreased appetite, and recently diagnosed with lichenoid dermatitis. My dermatologist is encouraging my doctor to change my psych meds. I am unsure on that; the Prozac has helped me to want to live."

• Ros...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 16, 2019

For Panic Disorder "I am a 58-year-old female with depression, anxiety, and panic attacks. I tried a lot of different antidepressants during my bouts. Nothing really worked for the terrible panic attacks I was having. My doctor put me on 20 mg of Prozac. The side effects were bad for about 3 weeks, but by the fourth week, it really started to work well. I am still on it for 2 months now. It works. So don’t stop taking it because of the terrible startup side effects such as anxiety, low appetite, fatigue, yawning, terrible stomach issues, insomnia, and blurred vision, all cleared after 4 weeks. I feel good now, and I will continue to take it."