Fluoxetine and Anxiety: What Users Say

• pri...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• May 26, 2017

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I don’t find a lot of positive stories about antidepressants, or I find stories where people are taking the antidepressant the wrong way. I wanted to share my experience. A positive one. I’ve had generalized anxiety disorder, SEVERE OCD, and panic disorder for as long as I can remember. My first memory of having an episode was when I was 4 years old at my kindergarten interview. I feel as though I was born with the illnesses mentioned above, right from the womb. When I was a child I was extremely anxious, had bad separation anxiety from my parents, and had extreme OCD. I was just a kid and thought that the way I was feeling is how all kids felt, I didn’t realize that I was different. This went on, and got even worse in middle school. I began developing trichotillomania in middle school. In high school, I went from being a 90% above student to failing every class within a couple of years. I couldn’t leave the house. My panic disorder and GAD caused debilitating physical symptoms. I would be shaking when I had to leave the house, I wouldn’t drink alcohol because I was afraid of vomiting, I was suffering so much, for my whole entire life with severe phobias, fears, and anxiety. I prayed and prayed and prayed to God every night for it to go away. I was a 16-year-old living in a prison of her own mind. It never went away. Every single day was the worst day of my life, I would wake up and the thoughts just started, I never had a break. My life was exhausting. I am of East Indian background, and my parents didn’t understand mental illness well. It is very taboo in my culture. I went to tons of doctors, and they told me it was just growing pains, no doctor ever told me that maybe I should see a therapist. I didn’t have any support. When I was 22, I attempted suicide. Luckily, the attempt didn’t work, and I was forced to go on medication. I was livid, I was so against antidepressants, I was so, so, so scared, it felt unnatural. My general practitioner put me on Effexor. I took it for almost 8 weeks, it helped me to not want to kill myself, but it also made me gain tons of weight which made me depressed, and it made me hear voices. One evening a voice told me to choke my mom, and I started freaking out, and my parents drove me immediately to the hospital. At the hospital, I talked to a psych nurse who calmed me down, and got me an appointment with a psychiatrist the next day. This appointment and this psychiatrist saved my life, and changed my entire life. I want to really mention that you should not be going to a General Practitioner for mental illness medication, you should ALWAYS, ALWAYS go to a psychiatrist no matter what. If your GP is the only person you are seeing to help you manage your meds for OCD, anxiety, etc, that is the WRONG MOVE. That is such a common mistake people are making, you NEED a psychiatrist in order to get the meds right, please do not just go to your regular doctor, you’ll be cheating yourself. I went to the psychiatrist appointment the next day. It was the first time I had ever seen a psychiatrist. I got into her room, and we talked about everything: my childhood, my phobias, my OCD. She then brought my parents into the room to explain the whole situation to them and the fact that I have a chemical imbalance in my brain and that I have been suffering for way too long. My parents were so supportive. The doctor told me I was on the wrong medication, that I never should have been placed on Effexor which is an SNRI, and that I should be on an SSRI considering my main problem is OCD and GAD. We talked a lot about it, and she told me she would like to place me on Prozac. She said for me, because my neural pathways have been the same for 20 plus years, that I would need a higher dosage of Prozac especially for anxiety and OCD. I see on this forum, that so many people are on 20mg, or 40mg for anxiety disorders. You should be on 60mg at least, do not be afraid to go higher. People that say Prozac or an SSRI didn’t really do anything for their anxiety or OCD is because they are only taking a 20mg dose, That is not an OCD dose. 40-80mg for anxiety and OCD. Please up your dose. Use the medication, REALLY USE IT. Do not be afraid! My doctor started me on 40mg, eventually took me to 100mg, and then I went back to 80mg. Yes, the side effects are insane, I was nauseated, I couldn’t sleep, I was shaking, I had anxiety, but she prescribed me Ativan and said to use it until the Prozac kicked in. That the Ativan would keep me comfortable until that happened. Don’t try to be a hero, use your Ativan or your Xanax or whatever to stay as comfortable as possible. I could write so much more, but I’ll conclude with this. 4 months after being on 80mg of Prozac every day, I woke up one day and I was cured. Yes, cured. I had no OCD, I had no anxiety, I no longer had fears or phobias. I was cured. You have no idea how that day felt. It was like the first day of my whole entire life. I woke up being the real me, who is free-spirited and isn’t afraid of anything! I was finally free, I was no longer a prisoner. I didn’t even have to go to therapy. I just woke up one day a brand new person, from taking a high dose of Prozac every single day. DO NOT go off of the antidepressants. Your OCD, your anxiety, depression etc will come back. I WOULD never dream or even think to come off of my antidepressants, I have an illness, that will return if I go off the medication, because I have a brain disorder. OCD is a brain disorder. Do not stop taking medication for your brain disorder, do not try to fix your brain disorder with just a 20mg or 40mg dose. Own your medication, be on it for life. It’s been 5 years since I have been cured. If it wasn’t for Prozac, I would be dead. 1) You need a psychiatrist 2) Do not be afraid to take more than 40mg of Prozac to treat panic attacks etc, I am on 80mg a day and my life is a ball. It is so wonderful and so carefree. 3) Do not stop the meds. Be on the meds for life."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• July 10, 2021

Fluoxetine for Depression "20mg to 40mg. What a change! I've been on 20mg Prozac for 2 months and I must say it made me feel worse than before. I had high anxiety, I couldn't leave my house, and most of the days I have spent in bed. On weeks 7-8, I literally thought I would come off this medication, but I waited and saw my doctor. We have increased the dose to 40mg (2 tablets a day). It has been 2 weeks now, and I must say I feel such a change. I am able to think again, I go to bed smiling, and did not spend a single day in bed. I feel more comfortable doing the house chores, it doesn't seem impossible anymore. Not sure if it works for everyone, but it's worth the wait. Seems like the 20mg just wasn't enough for me, 40mg changed my life so far. I PRAY TO GOD IT WILL STAY LIKE THIS. If it does, I know I will be getting my life back. Ps. I was diagnosed with severe depression and post-traumatic disorder/amnesia."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been on Prozac for 7 weeks now. I started 10mg & increased to 20mg after 10 days. I absolutely did feel worse before I felt better. I was already at an unbearable level with my anxiety & the Prozac did increase it for me for around 2 weeks. After around 3 weeks I started to feel good. I can drive again, I’m starting to enjoy being outside & doing things. I’m a lot happier, settled & at least 80% less anxious. I still have moments & I’m definitely not cured but I’m managing. Side effects for me are vivid dreams, loss of appetite & some weight loss. In the beginning, side effects were insomnia, increased anxiety, intrusive thoughts & agoraphobia. I got through it & it was like the sun finally came out once they started working. I spent hours researching & reading reviews, scaring myself silly. If you’re doing that also, I can’t say what it will do for you as everyone is different but for me, it has improved my life. If I can get through those 1st tough 2 weeks, anyone can."

• Sca...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 17, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I’ve been on Prozac for 7 weeks now. I started 10mg & increased to 20mg after 10 days. I absolutely did feel worse before I felt better. I was already at an unbearable level with my anxiety & the Prozac did increase it for me for around 2 weeks. After around 3 weeks I started to feel good. I can drive again, I’m starting to enjoy being outside & doing things. I’m a lot happier, settled & at least 80% less anxious. I still have moments & I’m definitely not cured but I’m managing. Side effects for me are vivid dreams, loss of appetite & some weight loss. In the beginning, side effects were insomnia, increased anxiety, intrusive thoughts & agoraphobia. I got through it & it was like the sun finally came out once they started working. I spent hours researching & reading reviews, scaring myself silly. If you’re doing that also, I can’t say what it will do for you as everyone is different but for me, it has improved my life. If I can get through those 1st tough 2 weeks, anyone can."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• June 2, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I have suffered from anxiety and panic attacks since high school. I’m a 21-year-old college student now. I was prescribed Prozac over 6 months ago, but didn't have the courage to take it. I initially came here and read the reviews which freaked me out. The past months I have been dealing with unbearable anxiety and panic attacks that I could no longer manage. I gave in and have been on Prozac for 1 month now. The first week I had no side effects besides a headache. The second week came and the symptoms I had were obsessive thoughts, one bad panic attack, increased anxiety, feeling out of body, etc. This continued into week 3, but eventually got better. The middle of week 3 going on week 4 I feel very good! I have had little to no anxiety issues and can actually function in the world! This medication, plus therapy once a week, has been a good combination!"

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

Fluoxetine 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."

• ki ...
• June 18, 2019

Fluoxetine for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder "I would like to speak about Prozac. When I first started it, I felt like giving up. I was on 20mg and I couldn't eat or sleep, and my anxiety got so much worse. My thoughts went on overdrive, and new OCD thoughts came. However, I am now on it for three months at a 40mg dose, and my brain is so much clearer. I can rationalize the thoughts. OCD is no fun, but don't suffer. I went on here when I first started, and I read a positive thread, and it kept me going. Please don't lose hope."

• aem...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 23, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Prozac worked wonders for my anxiety and mild depression. I always struggled with PMS-related anxiety, but after some big life changes, morning anxiety was more and more frequent and my motivation and drive to accomplish anything was low. I didn't want to get out of bed, even though nothing was wrong with my life. I just had an overarching feeling of hopelessness. Went to the doctor and she prescribed 20mg. Had bad nausea the first two weeks, then it went away, but I was still struggling with anxiety some mornings. She bumped me up to 40mg, and although it's only been a few days, I can totally tell a difference. I'm more motivated, happy and content. No anxiety. No nausea. Grateful for this med. I feel good for the first time in awhile."

• sas...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 4, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "This drug Prozac has completely changed my life. A few months ago, I had to take the quarter off during my last year of college. I was so anxious 24/7 that I had developed a severe headache that lasted for two months and even affected my vision. After 5 weeks of being on Prozac, I began to feel lighter, and the headache went away. Increasing the dose to 40 mg made me feel happy for the first time in years. I have bouts of a few hours of anxiety usually twice a week, but they're usually triggered by something. I no longer have an impending sense of doom. I have not gained any weight and have had no bad side effects."

• 30...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• February 10, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "You have to give this medicine time to work. At first, it made me very anxious and nauseated. Started with 20 mg. After a month, the anxiety came back, so my doctor upped it to 40 mg. More nausea and anxiety (Xanax helped this transition), but now, after about 13 weeks, I feel great. I just had a very challenging 10 hours at work and feel like a million bucks. It helped me get my gratitude back. No longer grumpy and ill-willed. It made me realize how deep my depression was and how long it had been since I'd been normal-feeling: 30 years. Sleep and exercise are key. If you think you have sleep apnea, get a doctor's diagnosis. If you don't exercise, get walking. These are key things that make antidepressants more effective."

• Anonymous
• Taken for less than 1 month
• June 22, 2020

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "Do not give up! This drug does work but it takes time. I am going on week 4 of 20 mg, and I am finally starting to feel better and more like myself. The first week was REALLY hard. For 2 days, I had massive anxiety, worse than ever before, to the point where I felt like I couldn’t breathe. I almost stopped this medication, but I pushed through because that’s what everyone said. After those few days, it got better. I don’t have a lot of 'what if' thoughts anymore, and I am starting to feel myself. I know this is different for everyone, but my advice is to try to push through the first 2 weeks if you can!"

• Ann...
• April 17, 2014

Fluoxetine for Depression "Prozac is great! When you first start, you can feel a little anxious, but hang in there. It has changed my whole outlook on life after being really depressed after a divorce and trying to raise two kids on my own. It gave me the confidence to get a job and enjoy working again. Before it, I had little confidence. I love laughing again, which I do a lot now! No side effects for me, except feeling a bit weird and anxious for the first few weeks."

• EmB...
• December 8, 2014

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I am one of the few people who doesn't suffer from some mixed form of depression & anxiety; I'm straight anxious. I have been on 10-20 mg Prozac for about 7 months now - starting was a little rocky in terms of heightened anxiety, gastrointestinal problems, and nausea, but those leveled off after 3 wks. Now, in conjunction with Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and daily mental work, I have to say that this medicine really has helped me get to a place where I can actually implement permanent habits and positive thought cycles and RELAX, whereas before I had a lot of trouble not being stuck as a result of my ruminating, anxiety, fear, guilt, etc. It's also been really great for my marriage, and my husband has been a big teammate. It's been good."

• Ale...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• March 20, 2014

Fluoxetine for Panic Disorder "I started experiencing panic attacks a few months ago, so bad that I thought I was dying each time I had one. My college NP prescribed me Prozac. The first month of taking it was hell. My anxiety definitely increased, and I had more frequent panic attacks. My doctor said this was normal and to stick with it, and I did! Let me tell you, it has changed my life. I am able to function normally now, and even though I experience some anxiety, I am able to manage it. Prozac has just made me a genuinely happier person, and I recommend it to anyone with anxiety, especially with panic attacks and depression."

• Mal...
• September 2, 2018

Fluoxetine for Depression "I was prescribed the 20mg dosage of 'Prozac' by my primary care physician per the request of my therapist. After two weeks of using it daily, I think this is going to be part of a solution for me. After two weeks, I definitely notice a difference. The 'noise' in my head (the horrible things it says) goes nearly silent. My ears still ring a lot but not as much as before. I'm a little jittery, but I attribute that to a new exercise program I'm using as another part of the solution. The feeling I get about an hour after taking the pill is a sense of peace. The world appears a little brighter, and my tunnel vision subsides, and the negative thoughts go mostly silent. I still have my spark while taking this drug too, which means I still have a sense of humor and can plan for the future. I still care about things, which is cool. I also find I don't overreact or worry about the future as much now. I'll see how this pans out in a month or two after I talk to a psychologist."

• Eun...
• October 6, 2013

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I have been on Prozac 40 mg for 10 weeks now. I feel super great. I was taking Xanax too, but I feel I don't need to take my Xanax anymore. Prozac has been working for me just great! The first week, I was feeling terrible anxiety, numbness in my face, dry mouth, fears. It was crazy, but on the 9th day, I started to feel more focused. So now, it's been 10 weeks, and I feel how I used to feel before, just great. So please, hang in there, give Prozac at least 2 weeks to kick in."

• Jod...
• December 29, 2016

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I started taking Prozac 9 weeks ago after Mirtazapine stopped working. I was suffering with bad OCD, anxiety, and panic attacks on a daily basis. When I first started on the medication, I thought it would be a miracle drug, however, the side effects were horrendous. For 7 solid weeks, I was a mess. I was depressed (I don't even suffer with depression). I was crying at my desk all the time. I had horrible thoughts, crippling anxiety, would not leave my house, or talk to anyone. The only thing that would get me through the day was Diazepam. I am on 40mg and after 7 weeks, it was like a light turned on, and I have been 'normal' for 2 weeks straight. I am so happy I stuck with it. I know it's hard, but trust me, it's worth it."

• Mar...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 24, 2019

For Depression "After reading so many different reviews before deciding to take Prozac, now I’m taking it I felt I should add my own. First week - felt a little uplifted. Weeks two to four - felt very anxious, especially if I had drunk coffee that day. So avoided coffee and it was easier. Four to eight weeks - balanced out and began to feel my old self again. Happy, enjoying music, life. Getting up early again. Energy for life has returned. Taking 20mg a day. Each morning. Started taking Prozac because of a life situation which led to me becoming depressed and suicidal. I waited months before seeing a doctor which was a mistake. Hope this helps someone out there. My thoughts are with you if you are struggling. There is definitely hope and a way out of depression. Be strong and be patient when you start taking the medication."

• tea...
• March 9, 2020

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "This medication did not make me feel mentally stable. It gave me symptoms of ADHD and mania, very dark and intrusive thoughts both daydreaming and sleeping. It destroyed my memory. I was at a stage where I thought I was in different locations at once and forgetting everything I was doing. Also, seeing eye floaties, artifacts in vision, and not being able to take in simple instructions. I felt completely out of it at all times and it made me far more stressed for no reason. I would randomly become excited and couldn't stop talking but felt uncomfortable around everyone. Everything I do feels super fast - both reactions and speaking. I really hope this goes away, I feel great, bad, crazy, hyper thoughts racing both positive and negative 24/7. I never had this at all before. It destroyed my libido, softened erections and size, also my legs don't feel attached to my body. It started off fantastic but quickly deteriorated. I was on generic Prozac 10mg for 2 weeks and I know it's a very low dose. (24-year-old male uni student)."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've struggled for years with anxiety and panic attacks. On several different meds for them. I asked my doctor about Prozac after I couldn't leave my house. I was riddled with fear and anxiety. We started off with 10 mg. I'm not gonna lie, the first 2 weeks were hell. But I pushed through because I knew like all meds, there is always an adjustment period. After it finally got in my system, I went from needing Xanax daily to occasionally needing it. I recently upped my dosage to 20 mg. I can tell it's working. Not only with my PMDD but my anxiety, stress, panic disorder, and PTSD. Do yourself a favor. Don't google side effects. If you do, you get it in your mind that is what you're supposed to feel. I started taking mine at night and by week 4 I switched to mornings."

• San...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• November 5, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I've struggled for years with anxiety and panic attacks. On several different meds for them. I asked my doctor about Prozac after I couldn't leave my house. I was riddled with fear and anxiety. We started off with 10 mg. I'm not gonna lie, the first 2 weeks were hell. But I pushed through because I knew like all meds, there is always an adjustment period. After it finally got in my system, I went from needing Xanax daily to occasionally needing it. I recently upped my dosage to 20 mg. I can tell it's working. Not only with my PMDD but my anxiety, stress, panic disorder, and PTSD. Do yourself a favor. Don't google side effects. If you do, you get it in your mind that is what you're supposed to feel. I started taking mine at night and by week 4 I switched to mornings."

• Ano...
• January 6, 2020

Fluoxetine for Depression "Was on this medication Prozac 20mg for anxiety and depression. But I was not happy when my psychiatrist told me that I needed medication. I thought that I just needed to see a psychologist and talk to, but my psychiatrist told me that I needed both together. I was upset about taking this medication, but my psychiatrist calmed me down and told me how I will be able to be happier/calmer and deal with life problems better. I left the appointment much happier. Like I said, the medication worked perfectly. I had no more anxiety attacks, less feeling of depression, but now 40mg started last year. I am still on it. Prozac has saved my life, able to deal with life again. I had a few side effects not too bad. I was monitored when at home, work, appointment, college by family, friends, doctors, teachers, tutors, and psychologists because of the side effects. I love this medication. I am calmer, safer, and happier. Don’t be afraid of medication, doctors only give it to help you."

• sea...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• December 3, 2019

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "Started Prozac one week ago. I've struggled with anxiety, guilt, and fear for most of my life. Have also struggled with panic attacks for the last couple of years. Recently felt my fear and anxiety become so intense that I've slipped into depression. I've taken Celexa in the past and had no side effects but not much anxiety relief. Also tried Cymbalta but felt so exhausted that I would sleep all afternoon even with a full night's sleep. Now trying out Prozac based on generally positive reviews. Even if it doesn't work out for me, reading people's success stories on here gives me hope. So far I've had reduced appetite and increased anxiety, as many others have reported in the first few weeks. I take Lorazepam when I feel panic coming on. I am going to continue on Prozac and hope for the best. Thanks to everyone else for sharing their experiences-- they have really helped me during this difficult time."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2013

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I suffer from chronic anxiety with periodic bouts of mild depression for 20 years. I tried everything...acupuncture, diet, exercise, and 5-HTP. Had a horrible experience with Zoloft and Paxil when I developed depression in college. I tried antidepressants for 2 months but with horrible side effects. As a result, I avoided medications to address my anxiety and/or mild depression through the years. Unfortunately, my anxiety level became unbearable this past year. I tried the following: Lexapro...5-10 mg, absolutely horrible. Made me extremely tired, depressed, and never reduced my anxiety level. Xanax: extremely helpful but still experienced agitation, stress, irritability, and anxiousness. Prozac: 10-20 mg, a life changer. I feel relaxed."

• Liv...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 19, 2013

Fluoxetine for Anxiety and Stress "I suffer from chronic anxiety with periodic bouts of mild depression for 20 years. I tried everything...acupuncture, diet, exercise, and 5-HTP. Had a horrible experience with Zoloft and Paxil when I developed depression in college. I tried antidepressants for 2 months but with horrible side effects. As a result, I avoided medications to address my anxiety and/or mild depression through the years. Unfortunately, my anxiety level became unbearable this past year. I tried the following: Lexapro...5-10 mg, absolutely horrible. Made me extremely tired, depressed, and never reduced my anxiety level. Xanax: extremely helpful but still experienced agitation, stress, irritability, and anxiousness. Prozac: 10-20 mg, a life changer. I feel relaxed."