Fluoxetine and Sexual Dysfunction: What Users Say

• Zt5...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• November 19, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "Having severe anxiety for 3 years now!! I have tried so many medications with no improvement at all! Headaches, muscle pains, insomnia, anxiety, and depression were my worst friends. Being on Lexapro for 3 years, I decided to switch to Prozac! Best decision I have ever made! No side effects at all. I was expecting to have nausea or sexual issues, but surprisingly neither of them happened. I am very impressed by this medication, no more anxiety or depression, my life has been improved drastically! I started feeling better even from the first days. No more headache, no more anxiety or depression. I am able to control my thoughts and my anxiety to a great extent. Seriously the best medication ever! Old but effective! Give it a try!"

• Lia...
• July 15, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "After a few months on Prozac, I no longer the depressed version of myself that I was before Prozac. Happiness was something I rarely felt, and now feel daily - and I was never excited by anything ever, and now am so positive and excited for my future plans and goals! I do feel almost ‘cured’ of major depression. The first couple of weeks were a struggle, and I did feel worse before I felt better - I felt more dark and depressed than I ever have - so it’s very important you have a plan in place if this does happen, a friend/counsellor/doctor you can talk to for example. I then felt very numbed out and had very low libido, which lasted a couple weeks but did also stop for me. My libido is still less than it used to be now, but for me it’s not an issue as I was annoyed with how high it was before. Side-effects included, Prozac has been life-changing for me and I am now excited to move country and start a new job, something I was absolutely terrified about before. I wish I’d tried it years ago!"

• tea...
• March 9, 2020

Prozac (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)."

• jra...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• May 17, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "I have tried everything from tricyclics, Serzone, Lexapro, Wellbutrin, Celexa, everything under the sun. I just recently started on Prozac about 2 weeks ago (straight from Lexapro) and the results have been amazing! I sleep well, my dreams are pleasant now, and my brain doesn't overanalyze everything. I wake up early feeling good, which I haven't in years. I have ambition and energy, get stuff done, and look for more to do. Finally, something that works! I haven't had the opportunity to see if there are any sexual side effects yet, but hopefully soon! Lol."

• Mar...
• August 2, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "I lived life trying to fake it until I could make it. I lived like I was an extrovert but inside I felt like a worthless daughter, wife, mother, and friend. I worked myself into a state of being physically ill & nearly died. When I discovered that I subconsciously attempted a long-term suicide, I woke up to complete chaos. I was diagnosed with major depressive disorder w/psychosis. I started Prozac & was so sick & tired the first 2 weeks that I wanted to stop taking it but wasn’t allowed to. Prozac allowed me to accept my natural personality & create a healthy, happy, and safe way to live. I would love to think I would be okay now without it but it isn’t worth the risk. I have such peace in my heart & mind. I did add a low dose of Wellbutrin after the first year for sexual side effects. No drug will fix everything and they all have side effects but this combo has worked for me and has given me the life I now know I deserve. Good luck!"

• Luk...
• Taken for 2 to 5 years
• July 14, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "I’ve been taking Prozac for 2 1/2 years now. I started in September 2017 at 20mg, stopped in October 2018, and restarted in January 2019 at 10mg. As of July 2019, I’ve increased to 20mg. Prozac makes me feel “normal” every time, especially the 20mg. It’s amazing! What’s odd is the first time I took it, I gained weight and lost sexual function; however, this time I seem to be losing weight and sex isn’t impaired. I wonder if stopping and taking it again changes how the body responds? Overall 10/10."

• jun...
• May 18, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) 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."

• jun...
• May 18, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) 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."

• chr...
• June 5, 2021

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "I have been dealing with anxiety for years and have been able to manage with exercise and other outlets until the pandemic hit. I started to experience panic attacks and anxiety 24/7. My anxiety started to interfere with my sleep. I was prescribed Prozac (10 mg), but I was so fearful of the side effects that I put off trying Prozac for over a month, which led to severe anxiety and depression. I finally gave in, and I had a positive reaction initially. For the next 4-5 days, I experienced minimal side effects: lack of appetite, irritability, decreased libido, and fatigue. I had increased anxiety in the morning, some days were better than others, day 8 was by far the worst day. Day 9, things started to improve day by day. I'm now on day 12, I'm sleeping better (continuing to improve), and my anxiety is almost nonexistent. I wish I would have started Prozac sooner. What works or doesn't work for me may not work for you. Because of this, don't put off taking medication because of someone else's experience."

• Aim...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• August 22, 2019

For Binge Eating Disorder "I’ve been taking fluoxetine for 2 months now. I started at 20mg and noticed a drastic decrease in appetite, where I could go a day without eating and not even realize, which was different from me binging every weekend. I also noticed the first two weeks of taking it I was tired all day even though I could get up to 12 hours of sleep. I started to notice my appetite come back after a month, so I upped my dosage to 40mg, which helped my appetite again. Since the two months, I’ve only binged once and it was not nearly as big of a binge as before. I’m starting on 60mg now, which is the dose for eating disorders, and I feel like I can stop eating whenever I want and don’t have an obsession over food anymore. I do have most of the side effects like nausea, headaches, vision changes, decreased sex drive, tired feeling, and YAWNING. Overall, it has helped my appetite decrease to a happy amount where I don’t feel the need to binge anymore."

• Ivy...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• October 12, 2019

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Panic Disorder "I started 20mg daily. The only side effect I experienced was delayed orgasm, and this was within the first week. This medication takes time to begin working. People who concentrate on their physical symptoms too much often throw in the towel before this medication has had time to start working. Don't do that. Give it time. Prozac makes me feel normal again. I don't feel like I'm going to panic over everything I feel in my body anymore. I'm sleeping much better, and my crazy mood swings have disappeared."

• Mel...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• January 20, 2015

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "Very good treatment option. It was my first SSRI, and I was taking it for anxiety and other stress I couldn't handle, as well as some therapy and coping mechanisms. This medicine is great. I take 10 mg, and even that is enough to get rid of anxiety, however, it does make you lose your sex drive and can make you completely lose interest in any sexual activity, but all in all, it's a good treatment."

• LWH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "I've taken this medication Prozac for about 7 months. I had a little nausea, weight gain, sleeping more, and felt like less energy, but for once I was content and happy. I dealt with the loss of a child and the father of my kids at 22. I never sought out help or treatment until last year. I finally drew a line with my depression and anger. Felt like a crappy parent. This medication has had its side effects. My biggest notice was my sexual desire was 100% no longer. I had tried dating but had no desire to talk, touch, or be intimate. When I was having sex, it was somewhat uncomfortable and had a hard time with lubrication. I also found it hard to climax. I read up and this is a side effect with fluoxetine. I didn't care though. For once I was happy and enjoyed my life. It is not for everyone."

• LWH...
• Taken for 6 months to 1 year
• January 5, 2020

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "I've taken this medication Prozac for about 7 months. I had a little nausea, weight gain, sleeping more, and felt like less energy, but for once I was content and happy. I dealt with the loss of a child and the father of my kids at 22. I never sought out help or treatment until last year. I finally drew a line with my depression and anger. Felt like a crappy parent. This medication has had its side effects. My biggest notice was my sexual desire was 100% no longer. I had tried dating but had no desire to talk, touch, or be intimate. When I was having sex, it was somewhat uncomfortable and had a hard time with lubrication. I also found it hard to climax. I read up and this is a side effect with fluoxetine. I didn't care though. For once I was happy and enjoyed my life. It is not for everyone."

• vin...
• February 9, 2014

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "It's always a test of one person. Everyone will have antidepressants that work best for them. I tried Lexapro and Wellbutrin. I hated Wellbutrin. Prozac gave me ZERO side effects. No sexual frustration, no irritability, and no insomnia. I'm on my 6th month and just got bumped from 20mg to 40mg because of seasonal depression and feel a HUGE deal better. I've lost 10 lbs in 3 weeks because my appetite and drinking are also under control. I've also heard Prozac is associated with weight loss. If something isn't working for you, give it a try."

• Zen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 28, 2022

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Panic Disorder "Absolutely a zero for me. I wish I could give it a negative rating. This drug is an absolute poison. I had it for 6 weeks, and I had all the worst side effects possible. It gave me panic attacks. It made me get OCD, rumination, confusion. I was literally questioning everything that I was doing. Something as simple as choosing a dress to wear was confusing to me. Concentration difficulties and sexual dysfunction. It is a horrible drug. I have lost my faith in psychiatrists. I was dealing with my own problems much better before trying out this drug. My opinion is: Never take any psychiatric pills unless you are completely unable to function or get out of bed. Mild to moderate problems should be dealt with by you."

• Mov...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 17, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "Pros: Great at controlling depression, anxiety, and stress. Cons: Feel agitated, hyper, and impulsive on it, some daytime fatigue, longer to orgasm and decreased sex drive (sexual dysfunction makes me feel less attractive and confident around my man), vivid dreams at night, numbed emotions, must have patience when getting off to avoid withdrawal symptoms (my taper was two months long!). Note: I would rather have a lowered sex drive than anxiety, stress, or depression though."

• Gai...
• April 12, 2012

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "5 weeks on Prozac. Have lost ten pounds (and needed to do so). Appetite remains, but I finally know when I'm full. Cannot drink more than an occasional glass of wine, do not feel like drinking any longer. Energy up, anxiety down. I have agitation that I didn't have before, however, sleeping 9 hours per night, but I always did that anyway. But sleeping more soundly. Sex drive is down (am female). Strange, detailed dreams. Feeling benevolent, but oddly detached and very happy. Still laugh a lot, but not interested in being creative very much."

• jen...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• January 13, 2016

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "I have had general anxiety for as long as I can remember, and it started really interfering with my daily life and relationships. My doctor put me on Prozac with 20mg dosages. The first 1-2 weeks I did have a bit of nausea, so it was hard eating in the mornings, but that's the only side effect I noticed. It helped me get rid of anxious thoughts that had once wrecked my life, and made me calm without ridding me of my outgoing and bubbly personality. That made me really happy. However, I have now been on it for almost 3 months and I am noticing a large decrease in sex drive. It has started affecting my relationship, so I'm currently looking at other options. Other than that, I would recommend. :)"

• Anonymous
• September 13, 2009

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "I suffer bouts of depression and have been prescribed Prozac. This medication does stop the weepiness and severe irritability that I suffer, however, it made me feel 'nothing' rather than good. Additionally, the side effects that I suffer on Prozac are not worth the marginal lack of hopeless feelings. I felt nauseous, hollow, scattered, and my libido completely vanished. This led to marital stress, so I went off of it on my own. I think it is the wrong chemical for my type of brain chemistry or depression."

• dep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Prozac 20 mg now for at least a month and a half, and I am so glad for this medication. On the first day I took this pill, I felt different. I have lost weight, which is a great thing because I am overweight. I don't really have an appetite, not complaining about that at all, but the only downside is NOOOOOO sex drive at all, and I can barely have an orgasm. I'm going to stick with the medicine because I have struggled with depression for years and years and haven't felt this good in I don't know when. My medicine works all day, every day, and sex only lasts a few minutes...not giving up my medicine for sex. Give the medicine time to get in your system, it really works, and it has saved my life! Thank goodness for this pill."

• dep...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• May 17, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Major Depressive Disorder "I have been taking Prozac 20 mg now for at least a month and a half, and I am so glad for this medication. On the first day I took this pill, I felt different. I have lost weight, which is a great thing because I am overweight. I don't really have an appetite, not complaining about that at all, but the only downside is NOOOOOO sex drive at all, and I can barely have an orgasm. I'm going to stick with the medicine because I have struggled with depression for years and years and haven't felt this good in I don't know when. My medicine works all day, every day, and sex only lasts a few minutes...not giving up my medicine for sex. Give the medicine time to get in your system, it really works, and it has saved my life! Thank goodness for this pill."

• mus...
• March 26, 2013

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Depression "I was on Prozac for 6 weeks, and it made me gain weight and feel numb and apathetic about every aspect of my life. I stopped caring about my work performance, stopped wanting to see friends, had low energy yet trouble falling asleep, and had no sex drive whatsoever. The side effects were more depressing than my life was before."

• Cai...
• Taken for less than 1 month
• September 1, 2017

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Panic Disorder "Just wanted to share my experience. I woke up in the middle of the night 2 weeks ago with a massive panic attack that I thought was a heart attack. I went to the ER two nights in a row because they just wouldn't stop. I saw my doctor the next day and was diagnosed with generalized anxiety and panic disorder. I was prescribed 20 mg Prozac (fluoxetine). The first week was horrible, almost all my symptoms increased. I couldn't eat and lost my sex drive. It's now a week in, and I can't even tell you how much better I feel. Everything is back to normal, I'm eating like crazy, my sex drive is back. This drug is a miracle. It will probably worsen your symptoms at first, but think of it as an investment and keep pushing through, and you should feel better. Hope this helps anyone."

• RFa...
• Taken for 1 to 6 months
• September 7, 2018

Prozac (fluoxetine) for Anxiety and Stress "So far, I’m about 2 months into using Prozac, and I must say it’s done wonders for me. I want to let people know that the first few weeks I had some stomach issues (slight loose stools), which subsided around week 3. After that, my mood has been better, my attitude and relationship have flourished. Also, an odd side effect for me is having an increased libido (which isn’t necessarily a bad thing). Also, taking longer for orgasms (again, probably isn’t a bad thing). If anxiety and depression rule your life, give Prozac a try."