Can someone share their experience with Prozac?

[thebeigecarpet]

I have been prescribed it, and it is my very first time taking medication for a mental illness and so I am scared. Any advice would be great, thanks.

[EndUser13]

For what it's worth Prozac has commonly been prescribed for some time now and is well tolerated (it shouldn't make you feel bad). I took it before I developed panic disorder and I felt emotionally blunted, I couldn't get angry or especially sad, I was just sort of there. I tried it after I developed panic attacks hoping it would help but I didn't get any help from it.

Any side effects you get from it should be relatively mild, but then everyone is different. I used to read all the possible side effects when taking new drugs and would freak myself out, it doesn't help to worry about what might happen in life, you just need to live for the moment.

[thebeigecarpet in reply to EndUser13]

thank you so much for sharing

[EndUser13 in reply to thebeigecarpet]

Thank you for posting! I know how scary it can be worrying about how a medication may affect you but it might be more helpful for you to focus on what you can control in life right now, rather than worrying about what may be. Hang in there!

[Hidden in reply to EndUser13]

I am fine with it, but after a traumatic accident, surgery bedridden for 5 weeks I felt emotionally blunted. I think it was having oxycodone every day, now 15 months later I am living again, having physio. I am feeling a lot better. I love life x

[PT81]

Hey beigecarpet. I had a very similar experience. I tried Prozac (any medication) for the first time last year at the beginning of the pandemic. Horrible anxiety and panic attacks. I was so reluctant and afraid to take meds due to potential side effects, developing dependency and the worry if it not working. After 2 months of having the medication and not taking it, my family told me they were considered about me. I was withdrawn, quite, and I lost 30lbs. I finally started taking Prozac 10mg everyday. The plan was to go up to 20 or 40 but I wanted to give it 2-3 weeks before increasing. I never had side effects and my symptoms improved. I never went up on dosages. Almost 1 yr later, still on Prozac 10mg. It really helped me.

This was my experience and I think I was lucky. People react differently to medications but it can be worth it. Good luck

[thebeigecarpet in reply to PT81]

Thanks for sharing, PT81. The prescription says 20 mg and she told me that that's a small dosage. I think I'll speak to her about starting even smaller (like 10 mg) and making my way up if necessary

[hypercat54]

Hi it's worth remembering that Prozac like the other first line meds isn't a strong powerful drug but just an aid to help with your issues. It won't kill or harm you and is generally well tolerated.

[thebeigecarpet in reply to hypercat54]

Thanks hypercat54

[Hidden in reply to hypercat54]

It will take the edge off

[samack]

I had a great experience with Prozac Responses are so different. I was on 25 years with no side effects. However when my dad passed it pooped on me. But 25 years is no small thing.

[thebeigecarpet in reply to samack]

Sorry about your dad. And you're right, 25 years is not a small feat. You are very brave 🙂

[IcanPaint4You]

With my adult son it triggered bi- pillar event which was very bad. Sorry.

[thebeigecarpet in reply to IcanPaint4You]

All experiences are welcome and so thanks for sharing this. Sorry to hear about your son.

[utep99]

It has been a lifesaver for me!

[Hidden in reply to utep99]

Yes it saved my life when I was in a very dark place.

[applejax7]

Prozac was extremely helpful for me when I was in a dark place.