Not sure if this medication is right for you? Or unsure what treatment options exist to treat your mental illness? Contact me, so we can discuss what treatment options may be right for you. www.levelheadedmind.com/contact
Been on fluoexetine since December of 2023, and i wondered why the past couple of days i felt like i appreciated everything much more life feels more vibrant, more full of life, started hitting the gym back really hard! Headed to japan with my gf this December light is at the end of the tunnel.
Prozac saved me many years ago. It takes a while to work, but shows more dramatic results than later SSRIs. Really, happiness is in reach. Just keep taking your meds, and soon the colors will be brighter and a good life is in reach.
@@nichole399 Six to eight weeks for me. The end result is great. Hang in there. Ask your doctor about a temporary script for mirtazapine to supplement the Prozac.
I erm.. Never wanna come off this stuff. Its saved my life. I can work. Smile, go out, cook, and be half normal. Love it. Its saved my life and ultimately, everyone around me. I'm off the wall without it. Love it. Best thing ever. Let's normalise this
I’ve been on this medication for almost two months now, and I started feeling the good effects around week 3. The yawning comes back some days, and I’ve also noticed that having a more structured day plan helps me feel better throughout the day.
Hey. Can't remember how long it took. I tried sertraline before and I felt horrible on them. Nauseated with headaches, so i switched to these and i felt great straight away. Hang on in there though. Keep trying for about a month or so. I've been on them a year or 2
Bro everytime I got out of rehab, they would put me on Zoloft. First few times I didn't even stay consistent taking it. Didn't think it would do shit for me. This last time I went to rehab I stuck with Zoloft and actually felt a difference. Wasent much but still helped a LITTLE, so I started thinking maybe there is something that will work better for me. Prozac is doing a hell of a job. I'm so stoked and thankful
I have c-ptsd.. due to many traumatic events in my life. I am 62 now so they have manifested in this in me. How long did it take to work for you, knowing of course that we are all different.
One year ago I comfortably came off fluoxetine. No withdrawalsymptomsat all, but I am prescribed again recently. There is a huge difference between fluoxetine and others
Excellent presentation. I was reluctant when my doctor put me on this for depression. I expected very little. I was 100% wrong. It was a night-and-day difference. I’ve noticed if I miss a few days in a row, I start feeling down. Your point about OCD is spot on. I didn’t realize greatly lessening my OCD would be another effect. It changed my (and my family’s) life.
Back on Prozac after trying it almost 20 years ago. I was depressed and angry. Frustration with me became so bad that every little tiny thing frustrated me. Hitting red lights, walking behind slow people, being busy at work. Now all those things, although I don't breeze past them, my reactions are a lot less severe and I feel a lot more laid back and not so "Type A" anymore. I also found 2 crazy things: I can't cry while on Prozac, and I literally cannot have suicidal thoughts. It's almost like Prozac "blocks" those thoughts from your mind.
I started on 20mg's and after a month was bumped up to 40mg's, this drug changed my life. I have potentially undiagnosed adhd (I'm going through the process of diagnosis) and had this medication not been prescribed I would still have believed I had bpd.
The combo of Adderal and Prozac has been a lifesaver. Recently diagnosed with adhd and anxiety after I had my son. Thought I had postpartum depression but i just had untreated adhd which was literally making adulting with a kid an impossibly depressing and anxiety provoking experience. With the right medication I’m finally feeling like I’m present and not just in survival mode
@@Roseland8 No. It helped with the anger and frustration I was experiencing on a daily basis but it actually made my adhd symptoms more prominent which is when people really started urging me to get diagnosed. They had said it before the prozac but it was like my adhd symptoms ramped up after the prozac. Same exact thing happened to a colleague of mine. I had been so sure it must be BPD but the doctor said BPD anger doesnt go away the way mine did, without years of behavioural therapy. She referred me to a psychologist (psychiatrist?) so I can explore this more. I have an appointment next month.
@@lilgit9969 i went to the psychiatrist 2 weeks ago and told them about my anger problems. they took notes and gave me another appointment which was today. i went and they prescribed me prozac. i don't know how it will go. i also think i have bpd and ocd. i would like to talk with you about this subject
Just started it today after battling hard on my own for the past year with cptsd, depression and progressive lack of ability to function on a basic day to day level Ive finally caved in and accepted help! Lets see how it goes. im open minded. Really hope i can feel normal again ❤
I'm at 30mg a day and it's working great for me.. zero depression, zero anger. I have ptsd from living in Tribeca on 9/11 and that seems to be better but not a huge difference. My anxiety is more tolerable now but I'm agoraphobic and don't get exposed to triggers very often. The grocery store is still an adventure that I dread.
@@trafficjon400 under the wtc, I lived 4 blocks north. And I've never been better, thank you :D Got diagnosed as AuDHD 2 weeks ago. I've started getting my teeth fixed from no dentist in 13 years, and I'm getting haircuts by pros instead of in my bathroom with a flowbee. I'm EXTREMELY lucky and grateful ♥
I think my main issue in life was undiagnosed neurodivergence, but coping alone left all sorts of anxieties and depression which is what I feel is most treated by Prozac. Prozac has always worked best for me compared to the six or seven meds I tried before Prozac. I was so happy to get off the meds I had before as they had (rare but) serious side effects and Prozac is statistically safer. I also went from a 2 med combination to just prozac.
Just got prescribed this today for fibromyalgia and depression symptoms.. Wasn’t going to take it at first, but now I’ve seen your video I will. Thanks from Scotland 🏴
Prozac can trigger psychosis and suicidal ideation in some people. A true nightmare. I’m so happy for those it works for but it is so important to know that in some cases it can lead to serious problems.
I have just taken my 4th fluoxetine pill 20mg. I have read too many negative comments here and it's compounding my anxiety because I do not have a lot confidence in my bodies ability to accept medication. The Alprazolam and BusPirone did not work. Please God make this work.
It has definitely made mine worse. In fact I started taking it for clinical depression and only has a tiny bit of anxiety every now and then. For the past 6 weeks of taking it I have heightened anxiety every day.
Thank you. I was prescribed this medication when I was only seeking counselling and didn’t get an explanation of how it works and how it might affect me. I’m excited to see how it works and hopefully it can help turn my life around
Here are some additional things that people need to know: * Fluoxetine is available in liquid form where 5 mL of the liquid contains the standard 20 mg dose. Why is this important? * Some people don't tolerate 20 mg of fluoxetine, or even 10 mg, but they might benefit greatly from 5 mg or even 2 mg or 1 mg. You can get doses this low by using the liquid form and measuring it by counting drops. Twenty drops is approximately 1 mL so: 25 drops ~ 5 mg 20 drops ~ 4 mg 10 drops ~ 2 mg 5 drops ~ 1 mg * Finally, your doctor may not even know Fluoxetine exists as a liquid, so you'll have to ask for it. Zoloft (aka sertraline) also comes in liquid form. If you're trying to taper off or trying to avoid side effects such as insomnia or feeling "wired" , give a smaller dose a try.
I super love your channel related to mental health. In my case, I tried 3 different SSRI’s before we were able to find the right fit for me. I responded well on Fluoxetine, my somatic disorder has improved. My only concern is loss of appetite since I am trying to gain a bit of weight. I lose 20kg 😢 but so far, so good. I tried Escitalopram and Vortioxetine. My symptoms were not resolved back then. Hope this med continues to work for me. ❤ More power to your channel and your advocacy for mental health.
Thank you so much for making this video! It answered so many of the questions I had about taking this medication. I feel a lot more comfortable starting on it now.
I took this medicine for my depression and became a healthy person. My focus and concentration clarity increased enormously. I was happy for no reason. But it occurred to me to mania. And then doctors spoiled my life. They diagnose me as a bipolar patient and treated me for bipolar. I stopped all the medicines and living again with depression now. I don't know whom to say this to or who can understand my problem.
@@ravisalunke677 well to be fair I shouldn't really blame the medication because everyone reacts differently to meds, also how bad their illness is. I think it keeps me level though and stops the huge highs and lows, I do make sure I get good sleep, am healthy and avoid stress. it's a tough illness to live with though, one would say life ruining.
Started this med 6 days ago after losing my husband suddenly due to a heart attack. Yesterday I woke up feeling better but after taking my daily dose (20mg), I was extremely groggy and fatigued to the point that I slept almost all day. I struggled a little getting to sleep but no more than usual last night. Woke up this morning excited about life ! But once again, after taking my morning dose, I am fighting to keep my eyes open. Fell asleep twice while typing this message. When does the energy boost start and when does this extreme drowsiness wear off ? I tried taking it at night one evening but although my body felt like it was sleeping, my mind wouldn’t turn off 😢?
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength ❤️ Secondly, I would like to share my experience. It took me around 2 months since I started noticing the results. (I'm on 40mg). Trust me the feeling of weakness/fatigue will take some time but you will feel soo soo much better once the medication starts kicking in. Don't lose hope, you got this ❤️
Absolutely great video Jezel! You did an amazing job breaking down complicated information into language that non-clinical people can understand which is super for patients! Looking forward to future videos!
I’ve been taking antidepressants since age 17. I am now 61. I’d love to come off them, but I’ve been on them so long. I have had lots of counselling through the years to deal with childhood sexual abuse then a follow on of mental physical and emotional abuse plus torture. The timing was from age 10 to age 18. Looking back I have been a complete mess. Unable to feel things, unable to know who I am. As I say though I would love to come off 60 milligrams of fluoxetine a day. Have you any advice for me please?
If you feel you are ready to come off to do so slowly. I would say reduce dose by 10 MG per month. If that is too much for you, consider using a compounding pharmacy and taper down 5mg per month. Also, before tapering, make sure your vitamin B12, Folate and D are normal as well as your homocysteine. Best to get those labs with routine labs as well to be sure you don't have underlying medical issues which may have been masked by medication.
I think it's such a shame that people called it "the happy pill." because it never made me happy. It just made me functional. It spared me my entire life. I was on it such a short time. But that small time was like kickstarting a dead battery. I honestly felt literally nothing. All I knew is I could move my limbs again. It really doesn't do anything but put you at neutral. Which is less than normal. But is is absolutely enough. You can work your way up from a solid neutral with just a push from a friend, or some willpower. But you can never work your way up from a fully dead battery. the only unusual thing that happened while I was on it was I started in on my usual doom-and-gloom thoughts, and then realized... I don't have to think this way if I don't want to. I never thought happy thoughts. But I stopped thinking the ridiculous ones. Holla Prozac you the MVP.
I 100% get fluoxetine withdrawals, usually if I forget a dose I’ll feel it at the end of the day or the next day. Withdrawals basically amplify the symptoms the pill is supposed to be treating for me.
And all these doctors always say anti depression "medications" are not addictive 😒 ..of course, they are addictive, its so evident now, i can't believe they are still not admitting what they know to be true. Oh, that's right money 💰 lol anti depressents make a lot of money, silly me i forget 🤣
Why isn't fluvoxamine as popular as other antidepressants in the SSRI class? I suffer from GAD with some mild depression. I'm curious about fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine seems commonly used for OCD. Would it be helpful for other anxiety disorders? Do you have any experience with it? Thank you very much for making clear, informative videos!
My doctor prescribed it to me Feb ‘24 for PMDD (premenstrual dysphoria disorder). Been on it 3 months+ & has helped me be more motivated to work & get up in the morning for the most part. It also helped me lose 12 lbs. Honestly, I still have my emotions & moments of situational anxiety & depression, but it’s helped improved my mood overall✨✨✨
Thank you so much for posting this positive review of the medication. I'm terrified to start it. I don't have the same situation as you but I have had that problem in the past. I was given Zoloft and it didn't work at all for me. My situation involves the anxiety I've gotten from going through perimenopause.
I got my Prozac prescription yesterday from my PCP provider the generic brand Fluoxetine HCL 10MG. I just took my first pill today Wednesday August 24th, at 1:25 am since I work from 12am to 8 am. I am going to take it everyday at this time. I already set my alarm on my iphone. I took it without food. I'm crossing my fingers and I am feeling anxious already and feeling scare about how I am going to feel soon. I hope I don't get a panic attack. I'm feeling weird right now but maybe is because I'm feeling very anxious about what feelings and symptoms I am going to experience soon. Prey for me yall. LOL. I'm trying to stay positive!!!
Hi Raymond. I hope your day at work went well. Try not to over think it... I know it is easier said than done. But when all you think about are the side effects, you can actually manifest them. The saying mind over matter does have truth to it. If you could take the pill right before work, instead of on a lunch break, it might help distract you. I wish you all the best 🙏
I was tested and told I could tolerate everything except paxil. Everytime I try a new med end up in ER. I even starting having seizures. Now terrified. My facial pain is unbearable. What can take?
Me, my mom and my sister were all prescribed Fluoxetine for depression at different times in our lives. We all ended up experiencing “Activation Syndrome” from the drug. In every case, this occurred months into our treatment. Most medical practitioners have no idea how this condition presents itself. For the first few months, patients have very few complaints. They may sleep less and become more impulsive or anxious. Doctors bump up the dosage as more and more of this medication floats around in their bodies. Eventually, the patient complains of panic attacks, agitation, and paranoia. Doctors end up misdiagnosing patients with bipolar disorder and add sedatives and mood stabilizers to their treatment. 9/10 times, if the patient doesn’t pick up on what is going on in their brain, nobody else will. When someone goes into the ER suffering from “Activation Syndrome”, they usually get labeled as a drug seeker due to the erratic behavior exhibited. Benzodiazepines like Ativan being administered can actually make this condition worse. Prozac also has such a long half-life that it can take well over a month to clear completely from the body. Because of this, it makes it next to impossible to tell if your new antidepressant is working any better earlier on in treatment. Because SSRI’s and SNRI’s are not controlled substances, they get prescribed very loosely with little monitoring. When people typically think about dangerous drugs they usually think about Heroin, Meth, or Fentanyl. I have never used any of those substances but I’m here to say that Prozac and Cymbalta were the most physically and mentally damaging drugs that I ever put into my body. The fact that the side effects are quite unpredictable and that they can occur weeks to months after beginning treatment is what makes these drugs so dangerous. Zoloft ended up working out great for me but everyone responds differently to psychotropic drugs.
Thank you for sharing your story. That is so true that everyone responds differently to medications. It is very important to have a provider who is closely monitoring your effects and response to the medication. I'm glad to hear you finally found a medication that worked well for you.
@FeRoOOo71 It doesn’t really matter what part of the world that you live in. Even wealthy individual’s with good health can get depressed. External stressors do play a significant role in depression, however, they don’t necessarily have to be present for depression to occur. Some people struggle with depression for their entire lives. Other’s will experience it after a traumatic event or for no apparent reason later on in life. It’s not something people choose to have. It just happens. Certain people also have genetic risk factors that make them more likely to suffer from depression.
@@user-jq9oo2tx8i i live in north Africa we have nothing here, we have war and death with no future and still i don't know anyone who have depression. when you have no point in life or you are single woman you will have bad mood and doctors with prescribe you anit-depressants that will f up your brain and hook you for life, it's just business. women need to stop working and get married and have children, no woman with good marriage and lots of healthy babies have depression. as for men if they have depression it's simple they are lazy, weak minded individuals.
The last time Prozac worked for me was Oct. 5th, 6th & 7th in 2003 and for two and a half days I felt like myself again. In other words, I had risen from the grave. However, it hasn't worked again since then. I wouldn't say it made me feel good. What it did was make me feel like myself again. Also, the three times that Fluoxetine did work for me it started working before the fourth dose. One psychiatrist of mine believed that the reason that it started working very quickly was that the drug caught my brain off guard and started doing its "thing" right away but once my brain recognized what was happening it would re-adjiust itself to the way it was used to functioning and would shut it down. Even going up to 120mg a day did not make any difference. The only side-effects I get from Prozac are the loss of libido.
man, im only 15 and got prescribed this. i took the pills only a couple minutes ago but they never told me whats gonna happen or what im gonna feel.. these comments got my hopes but ive also seen some shi saying they became more suicidal and had some bad side effects. getting mixed feelings.
Fluoxetine helped me overcome severe depression. It was on Day 25 that I woke up and I was back to normal. I didn’t gradually get better. It’s like I went to sleep one night and woke up the next day feeling great! 2 years later and I am still on it . The highest I went up was to 40mg. Now at 20 mg.I truly believe many people give up on it too soon.Having said that I know it doesn’t work for everyone. I would say to anyone looking for anti depressant therapy to not give up. There are many options that are bound to work sooner or later. I recommend going to psych Dr and not a general practitioner.
It took me about 3 1/2 weeks before I was back to normal. Keep in mind every one is different. I remember I actually felt worse when I started taking it but hung in there until there was a positive change.If in doubt you should consult with your Dr.
It is always difficult to suggest how long any SSRI will take to work because every person I have spoken with who has taken them, including myself, have taken different amounts of time for them to work. For me, this is my first time on Fluoxetine, although over past years I have been on nearly all of them for a long enough time but they turn me into a soporific zombie. I am now in my 6th week of 20mg fluox and as I sit her typing this I still have no improvement in depressive symptoms with the addition of anxiety caused by the medication. I have a good understanding of my own mental health and studied psychology and trained as a therapist... I know I do not want to increase this because I know it would be too much for me (I only weigh 47 kg) but I wonder if it will still need more time to work. I am seeing my doctor next week for a review but there are only two things she will be able to offer me.... an increased dose or another medication. In the UK we see our general practitioners for this, not psychiatrists...if you want to see a psychiatrist you have to go private and it costs around £300 an appointment. Most people can't afford that and we have been used to our NHS which is free. Anyway, that still doesn't help me short term. Has anyone here had it take longer than 6 weeks to kick in? I know it's doing something because I had an initial great feeling for a week when I first started it. It wasn't placebo...it really did lift me. I read a lot of people have this experience so it is synonymous with this medication.
Hey it's been 2 weeks since you wrote this I'm curious if you are feeling any better now the meds have kicked in? Have you ever tried psychedelics? I've been reading a lot of info how they can rewire the brain and open the mind
I'm nearly on week 7 and the 20mg of fluoxetine has just started working. It can take upto 12 weeks for the full effect. Its definitely a miracle drug for me. No more panic attacks social anxiety depression over thinking all gone. Happy I took another shot at anti depressants after over ten years trying many many others and not ever having an effect like prozac.
Been on Prozac for five years and ready to try to come off. Have a doctor appointment next week and starting back up talk therapy. Husband and I plan to grow our family soon, and I’d prefer to not be on antidepressants while pregnant because it scares me since I can’t find research to say if it’s safe or not. But even without the thought of pregnancy, I want to see if I can live life without Prozac. It served its purpose. Helped with my OCD sooooo much. Helped my entire thinking and helped me feel better. I will not quit cold Turkey, but I do hope to come off. Is it possible to do so and not have a horrible process coming off? I’m on 40mg and assuming I’ll go down to 30, then 20, 10, 5, then off? I’m scared. Again, doing it under the care of a doctor but I’m scared of the withdraw and scared my ocd and major depression episodes will return. I am open to getting back on it when off if im super depressed. But I wanna see if I CAN get off it.
I've been on Fluoxetine for about a week now and I cannot sleep at all. During the day I have to nap for 20 mins or so then I stay awake all night. Keep in mind I get home from work at 2am but I was going to bed around 4:30am, now I'm going to bed closer to 8:30am. Will this straighten itself out?
Insomnia cab be a side effect of this medication. Make sure you're taking it first thing when you wake up, or whatever time you'd consider your morning to be, then stay on that schedule. Also, practice good sleep hygiene every night. If still an issue, discuss with your provider.
Hi doctor. Iam on 1. Fluoxetine 60mg 2. Thrive 10 mg 3. Lethium priadel 800mg Though feeling better I occasionally feel unwell. I watched your video in combining fluoxetine and thryve. What is comment on my combination? What could be the problem? Also concerned about taking so much medicine 💊
Omg thank you so much 4 saying it doesn't cause addition because the psychiatrist around here seem to think every almost every medy there is is addictive fr no lie it's crazy!
Maybe a complete hormone panel should be run before pushing these poison. I went to my then doctor complaining of anxiety and low mood, fatigue, insomnia etc and without even running any bloods he put me on Zoloft and adivan. My symptoms went through the roof. After a few months I weaned off the crap and suffered horrible depression and withdrawls. My new doctor ran bloods and discovered that I had low testosterone. I’m now on testosterone replacement therapy and feel wonderful. Doctors are just a little to eager to treat symptoms rather than finding the real cause of your symptoms.
Testosterone treatment i heard it hard to measurre levels and can help but low or above levels can put a person through hell if the therapy is wrong as i heard most don't really know how to treat testosterone and its understanding.
@ It solved the problem because it was determined that my body quit making enough testosterone because of testicular cancer. The cancer was delt with and I will be on testosterone replacement therapy for the rest of my life. I feel completely normal now. Find the cause of the problem rather than masking the symptoms.
I'm experiencing these symptoms after 8 weeks of treatment : illogical, disturbing or frightening dreams, libido decreased yawning too much. fatigue and sleepiness in day time i had been taking fluoxetine 20 mg since 6 April. it had been really very very helpful in recovering from my depressed mood and anxiety.
In 2019 my doc prescribed me 20 mg of prozac, the med started to kick in after 3 days only, my anxiet and depression was gone, and in december 2020, my doc stopped my medications, anxiety and depression was back again after 5 days of stopping it, in june 2021 i took prozac again, and can't feel anything at all, do you think the medicine was resistance to me
You may be experiencing rebound depression, versus a return of the depression it self, which can take time for it to pass- typically 3 months. Discuss this possibility with your provider. You can certainly resume treatment, but may need to higher doses to treat, for my patients I prefer they get support from diet, and amino acid supplements first before jumping back into psychotropic medication treatment.
@@LevelheadedMind last year i tried maybe 7 types of anti depresssant, nothing works, but in 2019 i was prescribed amisulpride and fluoxetine, and only after 3 days i was normal,
@@nerdbamarich2063 no i did not but once i stoped taking fluoxetine my depression was back again after 5 days, to say the truth, i was prescribe fluoxetine and amisulpride and i was care free after 3 days
@@lalrinliana5966 wow it started working that fast? I have insomnia and very bad anxiety. Do you think it will help? Are you a male or a female and did it give you sexual side effects?
Im on flunil 20 about 2 weeks. Weight loss tiredness. How long should i take this drug. Doctor prescribed for another 1 month. What all things to be include in diet.
I was started on 20 MG Prozac on Tuesday, January 3rd. within a few days, I was feeling strange. By the following Monday, I became jittery and anxious. And the next day I was tweaky, but slept all day. And by the following day, I felt so horrible, I decided to stop taking Prozac because I was so anxious and suicidal. I was nearly psychotic and just wanted this Hell to stop. Good thing I have a telemed therapist who suggested I go to the hospital ER. I could barely stand, barely walk, had horrible tremors and weakness. I did go to ER and was given Hydroxyzine and given a prescription for the same to take at home. That med helped me get through the next few days of Prozac Hell. Prozac stays in your system several days to several weeks, depending on how long you've taken it. I've been off it 5 days and still a little tweaky, but better than a few days ago. Never again. Not worth it.
@@ievaanitagrunsberga2881 It is not always doctor's fault, the medicine does have these side effects and you cannot say which patient is going to have which reaction until they take the medicine.
I enjoy watching your videos. You really break them down very well, and I appreciate all that you do in educating us. Can you please do a video on Topiramate. Thank you.
It worked for me almost immediately …within 1 to 2 days…I have no idea why? But it always works … when I’m stressed more…I can up my dose with my doctor’s recommendation and prescription.
Did you hear her say that it's anti-inflammatory? It definitely is and I strongly suspect that when a person gets an immediate benefit it's primarily the anti-inflammatory action that they are feeling.
Prozac turned me into a zombie. Like someone picked up the remote and pressed the mute button. Doesn’t necessarily make you happy only stops you from feeling sad. Stopped me from feeling anything at all :(
What does it do if you reduce the amount? I'm on 40 mg, then I dropped it to 20 mg ( I had too, since it was making me, to put on too much weight, more rounder, and with the lack if my Gp, ( He's on holidays, and won't be back for a while) I've been reducing it too only 20mg, and Fluoxetine tablet forms are not available here where I live. So what are the symptoms if I was too reduced it? At 40 mg, it was giving me weird vivid dreams and a " loud" heartbeat. Please reply.
I have lived with complex post traumatic stress for years. Docs have been prescribing different types of drugs for the last year as I finally sought treatment for it. It was on Paxil for about 6 months and had way too many bad side effects so I tapered off enduring bad vertigo for 2 months. My biggest complaint these days are my chronic insomnia. I have luck with Ambien but I can't take it forever so my doc prescribed another SSRI to me again. This time fluoxetine. I just picked it up but I'm very reluctant to start it. Question for anyone with experience? Should I? I really don't want to go through all the hell I had with Paxil again.
I'm right there with you. I had a horrible seizure and wrecked my car back in 2016 due to Zoloft. Then I blacked out while driving in 2020 due to busprone. Now they want me to try Prozac. Everyday I suffer from panic, to the point that I physically start shaking and get sick to my stomach. But these medications seem to be so darn dangerous. It's like there's no escape
I need help for my perspective but I’ve never really got help from anti-depressants. However, my psychiatrist wants me either to get on anti-depressants for my symptoms or try TMS. I’m still cautious about TMS. Anti-depressants have a tendency to prone to weight gain. I”m single and i can’t gain weight. I’m 65 years old and anti-depressants aren’t good for seniors.
Thanks for sharing your experience, these are things to discuss with your provider if they persist more than 2 weeks (typical time for adjustment) than best to switch medications. Good luck with your mental health care journey.
I took it yesterday for the first time with food and felt nothing. Took it this morning without food and noticed more energy right away and was more focused at work. I’m thinking wow 2nd day and I’m already feeling better. Wondering if it’s fluoxetine or placebo effect 😂
Prozac just make me feel everything is ok… i will stay on it until my life circumstances get better, to be honest i tried different types of ssri, prozac was the only one that worked and didnt cause crazy side effect, not even libido side effects.. lexapro, paxil were hell Edit; the only problem is that they stop working after a while and then you have to increase the dose, 20mg stopped working in a year and I upped recently to 40mg
Prozac is pretty good. It didn’t make me incredibly all sunshine and rainbows but it got me out of bed which was I was hoping for. It did make my dreams weird, I did eat more, and i became more “speedy.” Sometimes I would be too “speedy,” so I got on bupropion in addition to the Prozac. Cause trazadone was awful for me 🤣. I don’t wanna go back to trazadone EVER. the bupropion definitely feels different. it did help with the mood swings i would get from Prozac. Overall not bad. But forsure my biggest side effects with prozac would be first appetite, cinnamon rolls, pizza, cheese, chips all hit SOO different on prozac. The bupropion makes food taste like plastic🤣. But anyways yeah thanks for coming to my ted talk about drugs.
I stopped this medication recently after being on it for 20 years for irritability with menstrual cycles . Now that I have slowly stopped , the side effects are so bad I have to go back on it! Irritability, severe, and waking up at night in panic mode. I have never in my life had that symptom. My body cannot function without it! I’m not happy about that at all.
It sounds like you need some free form amino acids for support and get labs to rule out vitamin deficiencies or other root causes of your irritability as well.
@@LevelheadedMind Makes a lot of sense but doctors family health pro's have no clue or study Vitamins today. they seemed to have slowed down completely and not good at all for the patient. iether its time consuming and payments arn't taken care of and makes the patient worse getting to be a big problem and many are in more danger than it was about 30 years ago when it was a normal checkup practice and helped greatly. . Patients vit count isn't checked many complaints of why even after years.
I m frm India. I have been taking paroxytene 37.5+ D venlor 100 for the past many years. For the past one year it is not working. Lethargy, over sleeping, lack of energy, low, very low self esteem, negative thoughts and dreams throughout 24 hours. No suicidal thoughts at all. Don't know what to do!
I am sorry you are experiencing this. One way to help ease this is to go very slowly and even consider half dosing, so instead of going from 40 to 30mg, you go down to 35mg which would require cutting a 10mg pill in half. Also, discuss with your provider, switching to fluoxetine to help alleviate these symptoms, because of its long half life it's easier to come off of. Tell your provider to go to switchRx.com to get a good idea of how to make the switch more smoothly. Also, the Ashton Manual has a section on withdrawing from antidepressants that may be helpful. Good luck with this process and I wish you well 🙏
@@LevelheadedMind I have burning tongue and mouth syndrome, angular cheiltus, canker sores, extremely dry mouth and the list goes on from Lexapro. It also took away my tears. I have been off for 2 months now. Will things change for the better? I am afraid to try another antidepressant.
It takes me two years to start taking them, but when I start taking the fluoxetine since the first day, I feel amazing. I have a good energy. I woke up early. I can go out. I can see people I don’t have that anxiety like before.
Yes, I agree and I explain this along with all other rare and dangerous side effects of antidepressants in general in this video- th-cam.com/video/-JoTNsqyDxw/w-d-xo.html
Mam plz need your help my gp prescribed me prosac for ocd with zyprexa despite that it worst ocd what should I take with prosac for ocd as an augment risperidone or amisulpride or abilfy which one suits best with prozac for ocd
I just wanna say something for that definitely small, but definitely non-zero, group of people who might feel a pinch invalidated when people say things like "Unfortunately" fluoxetine/other SSRIs can cause a decrease in libido/sexual 'dysfunction': I know you exist. You're not alone. This is a valid use case for these medications. For treating Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome, Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, Hypersexuality, or just lowering your libido for any reason because it's your body, your life, your rules. You are not crazy, you are not alone. You *are* worth it. Stay strong and do what you know is best for you. Good luck~
Yes, alcohol has a short half-life unless you have liver disease. Also, don't make drinking alcohol a habit as it is a depressant which is the complete opposite of antidepressant!
I agree I recommend others to not abruptly stop using it , if you forget to take quickly resume I went a day without taking it and was confused the next morning , emotions high and low not mention I also lit a cigarette up in my house when I normally smoke outside I was shocked be careful guys 💯
hi doctor i need your help I have been taking fluoxetine 20mg for severe depression for 7 1/2 weeks now and hearing my journey so far. I was on bupropion, citalopram, cipralex, remeron, venlafaxine, nothing helped. Week 1 - Started on Fluoxetine and no side effects yet. Week 2 - No signs of improvement and no side effects. Week 3 - I feel signs of improvement, I felt normal, calm for the first 2 days of the week. The rest of the week, I feel down Week 4 - No sign of improvement, finally side effects are here, I feel sleepy, lethargic and sleepy all the time and also have restless legs when I sit down (side effect level - 4/ 10). Week 5 - No signs of improvement, I feel sleepy lethargic and sleepy all the time, also have restless legs when I sit down (side effect level - 5/10). Week 6 - No signs of improvement, I feel sleepy lethargic and sleepy all the time, I walk like a zombie, I also have restless legs when I sit down (side effect level - 8/10) Week 7 - No signs of improvement, Week 8running……I still have some hope…. That's what drives me to be on it Is this normal?
You are having adverse effects. Discuss this with your provider and make sure you have been thoroughly evaluated for Bipolar depression and also root causes.
Not sure if this medication is right for you? Or unsure what treatment options exist to treat your mental illness? Contact me, so we can discuss what treatment options may be right for you.
www.levelheadedmind.com/contact
Ssris cause permanent s3xual dysfunctions.
Google "Pssd"
Concerta. I've had a really hard time feeling normal after cold turkey off.
Been on fluoexetine since December of 2023, and i wondered why the past couple of days i felt like i appreciated everything much more life feels more vibrant, more full of life, started hitting the gym back really hard! Headed to japan with my gf this December light is at the end of the tunnel.
glad it works im on day 4 and i feel noting of course i just started though i hope it works
@@ericwilliams2036 give it time and just work through any side effects as best as possible I only experienced being more drowsy.
@ericwilliams2036 how you now ?
@@ericwilliams2036 Hi, i am on Day 7 and i feel nothing yet.. waiting for the effects to start showing
@@ericwilliams2036how is it now?
Prozac saved me many
years ago.
It takes a while to work,
but shows more dramatic results than later SSRIs.
Really, happiness is in reach.
Just keep taking your meds, and soon the colors will be brighter
and a good life is in reach.
I've just started it and I am so sceard of weight gain I am already overweight and I am terrified I will gain more and become twenty stone
how long did it take to work?
@@Keziah_2004x
You'll probably lose weight on prozac.
It took me about
six weeks, but it was
totally worth it.
@@nichole399
Six to eight
weeks for me.
The end result
is great.
Hang in there.
Ask your doctor
about a temporary
script for mirtazapine
to supplement the Prozac.
I erm.. Never wanna come off this stuff. Its saved my life. I can work. Smile, go out, cook, and be half normal. Love it. Its saved my life and ultimately, everyone around me. I'm off the wall without it. Love it. Best thing ever. Let's normalise this
How long did it take for the good effects to come in?
Day 6 in Prozac at the stage where I get headaches, nausea, little dizzy how fast will these side affects go away ?
At which dose r u currently taking?
I’ve been on this medication for almost two months now, and I started feeling the good effects around week 3. The yawning comes back some days, and I’ve also noticed that having a more structured day plan helps me feel better throughout the day.
Hey. Can't remember how long it took. I tried sertraline before and I felt horrible on them. Nauseated with headaches, so i switched to these and i felt great straight away. Hang on in there though. Keep trying for about a month or so. I've been on them a year or 2
Now that I’m on fluoxetine I can go outside of the house without having panick attacks every second
I was prescribed fluoxetine for panic disorder. How long did it take you tp feel better? and what's the dose please
Thank you for sharing this information, I just started and hope it help with my panic attack and anxiety.
@@AshleyCen
How are you today?
Same. I take 40 mg but I want to sleep always. You?
@@vintagebluenote8564 40mg's of what? 2 months in when most comments are a year or over . How are you doing?
Bro everytime I got out of rehab, they would put me on Zoloft. First few times I didn't even stay consistent taking it. Didn't think it would do shit for me. This last time I went to rehab I stuck with Zoloft and actually felt a difference. Wasent much but still helped a LITTLE, so I started thinking maybe there is something that will work better for me. Prozac is doing a hell of a job. I'm so stoked and thankful
Is it still working for you?
Fr!! Zoloft makes me more depressed that usual, I hope fluoxetine makes me feel better
How is it a year later !!! thanks please reply 👍✌ I may be starting
Does wonders for PTSD. Helps with anxiety and paranoia in my experience.
Really? Am currently waiting to pick up my prescription and starting taking them tommorow for the same reasons you mentioned
Thanks for this information
I have c-ptsd.. due to many traumatic events in my life. I am 62 now so they have manifested in this in me. How long did it take to work for you, knowing of course that we are all different.
@@heatherboughton5936 1 month, good luck to you
@@shar9907 Thank you.
One year ago I comfortably came off fluoxetine. No withdrawalsymptomsat all, but I am prescribed again recently. There is a huge difference between fluoxetine and others
why were you prescribed it again? have your anxiety came back again after a while.. or?
i got off of it and need it again, do you wait again for weeks to start to work or does it work faster beacuse you had it b4
its only 1 opinion though ?
Excellent presentation. I was reluctant when my doctor put me on this for depression. I expected very little. I was 100% wrong. It was a night-and-day difference. I’ve noticed if I miss a few days in a row, I start feeling down. Your point about OCD is spot on. I didn’t realize greatly lessening my OCD would be another effect. It changed my (and my family’s) life.
Same!!! especially the ocd part
Been on this for 25 years it saved me from the darkness.
i heard you cannot use it more than a year without some "rest"
@@TrTrTrTr101 where did you find this info?
@@b.b.latuque9027😂😂😂
@@TrTrTrTr101it doesn’t create drug tolerance compared to Benzodiazepine (anti anxiety meds). Just relax and it is very safe
@@Katie_purry02wrong
Back on Prozac after trying it almost 20 years ago. I was depressed and angry. Frustration with me became so bad that every little tiny thing frustrated me. Hitting red lights, walking behind slow people, being busy at work. Now all those things, although I don't breeze past them, my reactions are a lot less severe and I feel a lot more laid back and not so "Type A" anymore. I also found 2 crazy things: I can't cry while on Prozac, and I literally cannot have suicidal thoughts. It's almost like Prozac "blocks" those thoughts from your mind.
Crazy thing is I felt the exact same way about not being able to cry .
It just works❤
I worry that it numbs you
@@annikajohansson9171 it’s an odd feeling sometimes. It almost seems like you’re a zombie. No emotion.
It numbed me, that is what it is probably doing to you.
I started on 20mg's and after a month was bumped up to 40mg's, this drug changed my life. I have potentially undiagnosed adhd (I'm going through the process of diagnosis) and had this medication not been prescribed I would still have believed I had bpd.
Hi, do you feel it helped with your adhd
The combo of Adderal and Prozac has been a lifesaver. Recently diagnosed with adhd and anxiety after I had my son. Thought I had postpartum depression but i just had untreated adhd which was literally making adulting with a kid an impossibly depressing and anxiety provoking experience. With the right medication I’m finally feeling like I’m present and not just in survival mode
@@Roseland8 No. It helped with the anger and frustration I was experiencing on a daily basis but it actually made my adhd symptoms more prominent which is when people really started urging me to get diagnosed. They had said it before the prozac but it was like my adhd symptoms ramped up after the prozac. Same exact thing happened to a colleague of mine. I had been so sure it must be BPD but the doctor said BPD anger doesnt go away the way mine did, without years of behavioural therapy. She referred me to a psychologist (psychiatrist?) so I can explore this more. I have an appointment next month.
@@lilgit9969 i went to the psychiatrist 2 weeks ago and told them about my anger problems. they took notes and gave me another appointment which was today. i went and they prescribed me prozac. i don't know how it will go. i also think i have bpd and ocd. i would like to talk with you about this subject
What did you do to manage ADHD and depression at same time? ☺️
Just started it today after battling hard on my own for the past year with cptsd, depression and progressive lack of ability to function on a basic day to day level
Ive finally caved in and accepted help! Lets see how it goes. im open minded. Really hope i can feel normal again ❤
Just give it time , you will feel very normal again. Trust the pill
How’s it going?
Can we get an update. Just started mine today.
Congrats
Me anxiously starting it today
I'm at 30mg a day and it's working great for me.. zero depression, zero anger. I have ptsd from living in Tribeca on 9/11 and that seems to be better but not a huge difference. My anxiety is more tolerable now but I'm agoraphobic and don't get exposed to triggers very often. The grocery store is still an adventure that I dread.
Therapy can really help with the agoraphobia, especially exposure therapy.
I've tried... didn't go well.@@LevelheadedMind
Hope your keeping up ! Tribeca is located?
@@trafficjon400 under the wtc, I lived 4 blocks north. And I've never been better, thank you :D Got diagnosed as AuDHD 2 weeks ago. I've started getting my teeth fixed from no dentist in 13 years, and I'm getting haircuts by pros instead of in my bathroom with a flowbee. I'm EXTREMELY lucky and grateful ♥
I think my main issue in life was undiagnosed neurodivergence, but coping alone left all sorts of anxieties and depression which is what I feel is most treated by Prozac. Prozac has always worked best for me compared to the six or seven meds I tried before Prozac. I was so happy to get off the meds I had before as they had (rare but) serious side effects and Prozac is statistically safer. I also went from a 2 med combination to just prozac.
Are you still having success on prozac?
Just got prescribed this today for fibromyalgia and depression symptoms.. Wasn’t going to take it at first, but now I’ve seen your video I will.
Thanks from Scotland 🏴
Glad to know the video was helpful. I wish you the best on your mental health care journey 🙏
How has it been?
Hi! how are you now?
Prozac can trigger psychosis and suicidal ideation in some people. A true nightmare. I’m so happy for those it works for but it is so important to know that in some cases it can lead to serious problems.
I have just taken my 4th fluoxetine pill 20mg. I have read too many negative comments here and it's compounding my anxiety because I do not have a lot confidence in my bodies ability to accept medication. The Alprazolam and BusPirone did not work. Please God make this work.
How’s it working for you?
Can I message you bud?
How are things today?
I have been prescribed them today, I have depression from fnd a functional neurological disorder, I pray myself that they can help me
I'm the same, I just hope it has helped people so that there is some home
Has done wonders for my anxiety. Thanks for this video!
It has definitely made mine worse. In fact I started taking it for clinical depression and only has a tiny bit of anxiety every now and then. For the past 6 weeks of taking it I have heightened anxiety every day.
Thank you. I was prescribed this medication when I was only seeking counselling and didn’t get an explanation of how it works and how it might affect me. I’m excited to see how it works and hopefully it can help turn my life around
Here are some additional things that people need to know:
* Fluoxetine is available in liquid form where 5 mL of the liquid contains the standard 20 mg dose. Why is this important?
* Some people don't tolerate 20 mg of fluoxetine, or even 10 mg, but they might benefit greatly from 5 mg or even 2 mg or 1 mg.
You can get doses this low by using the liquid form and measuring it by counting drops. Twenty drops is approximately 1 mL so:
25 drops ~ 5 mg
20 drops ~ 4 mg
10 drops ~ 2 mg
5 drops ~ 1 mg
* Finally, your doctor may not even know Fluoxetine exists as a liquid, so you'll have to ask for it.
Zoloft (aka sertraline) also comes in liquid form.
If you're trying to taper off or trying to avoid side effects such as insomnia or feeling "wired" , give a smaller dose a try.
I super love your channel related to mental health. In my case, I tried 3 different SSRI’s before we were able to find the right fit for me. I responded well on Fluoxetine, my somatic disorder has improved. My only concern is loss of appetite since I am trying to gain a bit of weight. I lose 20kg 😢 but so far, so good. I tried Escitalopram and Vortioxetine. My symptoms were not resolved back then. Hope this med continues to work for me. ❤ More power to your channel and your advocacy for mental health.
Thank you so much for making this video! It answered so many of the questions I had about taking this medication. I feel a lot more comfortable starting on it now.
Is it helpful?...my doctor just placed me on it and am starting on friday
It’ works
I took this medicine for my depression and became a healthy person. My focus and concentration clarity increased enormously. I was happy for no reason. But it occurred to me to mania. And then doctors spoiled my life. They diagnose me as a bipolar patient and treated me for bipolar. I stopped all the medicines and living again with depression now. I don't know whom to say this to or who can understand my problem.
How long you took it for ?
@@juanvillalobos7349 what?
@@irfancool000 how long you took Prozac for it to develop mania , curious only. Heard it was one of the best ssri but in low doses
@@juanvillalobos7349 fluoxetine 40mg within 2 months
@@irfancool000 why don't you take low dose and start again. It's better to be a maniac then depressed
I take prozac for anxiety that is brought on by insomnia. Prozac helps me sleep and helps me feel less anxious in general.
I got prescribed prozac for the same reason :)
Does it mess with one's weight?
It helps you sleep even though it should be taken early in the am? Not being negative. Really asking.
@ It's weird, but that is how it works for me. I can't sleep without it.
@ No effect on my weight
I just started it today I really hope this helps me with my ptsd and anxiety
I wish you all the best on your mental health care journey ✨️
I love this profile. I’m finally learning what my meds do even though I’ve been taking them for years.
I've just started it and I am so sceard of weight gain I am already overweight and I am terrified I will gain more and become twenty stone
@@Keziah_2004xhow are you now?
I take Prozac and im really doing better.
Really appreciate the information in your videos. You have a nice way of presentation as well. Thank you
been on it for 13 years, I feel nothing now.... melted my brain
Feel nothing negative or..?
@ flat lined and miserable
@@LordFlashheart1pls elaborate is it does good to you or bad????
@@ravisalunke677 well to be fair I shouldn't really blame the medication because everyone reacts differently to meds, also how bad their illness is. I think it keeps me level though and stops the huge highs and lows, I do make sure I get good sleep, am healthy and avoid stress. it's a tough illness to live with though, one would say life ruining.
@@LordFlashheart1 How are you now friend?
Started this med 6 days ago after losing my husband suddenly due to a heart attack. Yesterday I woke up feeling better but after taking my daily dose (20mg), I was extremely groggy and fatigued to the point that I slept almost all day. I struggled a little getting to sleep but no more than usual last night. Woke up this morning excited about life ! But once again, after taking my morning dose, I am fighting to keep my eyes open. Fell asleep twice while typing this message. When does the energy boost start and when does this extreme drowsiness wear off ? I tried taking it at night one evening but although my body felt like it was sleeping, my mind wouldn’t turn off 😢?
I'm so sorry for your loss. May God give you strength ❤️
Secondly, I would like to share my experience. It took me around 2 months since I started noticing the results. (I'm on 40mg). Trust me the feeling of weakness/fatigue will take some time but you will feel soo soo much better once the medication starts kicking in. Don't lose hope, you got this ❤️
Absolutely great video Jezel! You did an amazing job breaking down complicated information into language that non-clinical people can understand which is super for patients! Looking forward to future videos!
Thank you, that means a lot!
I’ve been taking antidepressants since age 17. I am now 61. I’d love to come off them, but I’ve been on them so long. I have had lots of counselling through the years to deal with childhood sexual abuse then a follow on of mental physical and emotional abuse plus torture. The timing was from age 10 to age 18. Looking back I have been a complete mess. Unable to feel things, unable to know who I am. As I say though I would love to come off 60 milligrams of fluoxetine a day. Have you any advice for me please?
If you feel you are ready to come off to do so slowly. I would say reduce dose by 10 MG per month. If that is too much for you, consider using a compounding pharmacy and taper down 5mg per month. Also, before tapering, make sure your vitamin B12, Folate and D are normal as well as your homocysteine. Best to get those labs with routine labs as well to be sure you don't have underlying medical issues which may have been masked by medication.
Hey how are you now?
I hope you are doing well ❤
@@awomanssecondchance4965 it’s not easy. Just lost my 14 year old little dog too so I’m grieving. Thanks for asking. That’s kind xx
I think it's such a shame that people called it "the happy pill." because it never made me happy. It just made me functional. It spared me my entire life.
I was on it such a short time. But that small time was like kickstarting a dead battery. I honestly felt literally nothing. All I knew is I could move my limbs again.
It really doesn't do anything but put you at neutral. Which is less than normal. But is is absolutely enough. You can work your way up from a solid neutral with just a push from a friend, or some willpower. But you can never work your way up from a fully dead battery.
the only unusual thing that happened while I was on it was I started in on my usual doom-and-gloom thoughts, and then realized... I don't have to think this way if I don't want to. I never thought happy thoughts. But I stopped thinking the ridiculous ones. Holla Prozac you the MVP.
Best video on Fluoxitine in my opinion. Thanks 😊
Thank you Mary! That means a lot. 😊
I 100% get fluoxetine withdrawals, usually if I forget a dose I’ll feel it at the end of the day or the next day. Withdrawals basically amplify the symptoms the pill is supposed to be treating for me.
And all these doctors always say anti depression "medications" are not addictive 😒 ..of course, they are addictive, its so evident now, i can't believe they are still not admitting what they know to be true. Oh, that's right money 💰 lol anti depressents make a lot of money, silly me i forget 🤣
My Dr started me out at 40mg and I am very nervous starting it but your video made me feel better.
Why isn't fluvoxamine as popular as other antidepressants in the SSRI class? I suffer from GAD with some mild depression. I'm curious about fluvoxamine. Fluvoxamine seems commonly used for OCD. Would it be helpful for other anxiety disorders? Do you have any experience with it? Thank you very much for making clear, informative videos!
Yes, fluvoxamine is good for anxiety, depression and OCD. Mostly used for OCD in the US since the most reasearch done was for OCD.
It’s associated with significant weight gain
My doctor prescribed it to me Feb ‘24 for PMDD (premenstrual dysphoria disorder). Been on it 3 months+ & has helped me be more motivated to work & get up in the morning for the most part. It also helped me lose 12 lbs. Honestly, I still have my emotions & moments of situational anxiety & depression, but it’s helped improved my mood overall✨✨✨
Thank you so much for posting this positive review of the medication. I'm terrified to start it.
I don't have the same situation as you but I have had that problem in the past. I was given Zoloft and it didn't work at all for me.
My situation involves the anxiety I've gotten from going through perimenopause.
I got my Prozac prescription yesterday from my PCP provider the generic brand Fluoxetine HCL 10MG.
I just took my first pill today Wednesday August 24th, at 1:25 am since I work from 12am to 8 am.
I am going to take it everyday at this time. I already set my alarm on my iphone. I took it without food.
I'm crossing my fingers and I am feeling anxious already and feeling scare about how I am going to feel soon. I hope I don't get a panic attack.
I'm feeling weird right now but maybe is because I'm feeling very anxious about what feelings and symptoms I am going to experience soon.
Prey for me yall. LOL. I'm trying to stay positive!!!
Hi Raymond. I hope your day at work went well. Try not to over think it... I know it is easier said than done. But when all you think about are the side effects, you can actually manifest them. The saying mind over matter does have truth to it. If you could take the pill right before work, instead of on a lunch break, it might help distract you. I wish you all the best 🙏
Any updates?
Hey it’s been a month! How’s it been?
????
@@thomasmueller2319bruh… I would’ve loved a update
I was tested and told I could tolerate everything except paxil. Everytime I try a new med end up in ER. I even starting having seizures. Now terrified. My facial pain is unbearable. What can take?
Very helpful & you’re a great presenter!
Been on the happy pill for 10yrs and its still working fine for me. I’m happy
So it must be taken all the time otherwise the symptoms will come back
@@JediDarkForce Not sure, maybe. But I’m not trying to find out. I’m good with it, could be different for others.
For some people yes it will comeback@@JediDarkForce
Me, my mom and my sister were all prescribed Fluoxetine for depression at different times in our lives. We all ended up experiencing “Activation Syndrome” from the drug. In every case, this occurred months into our treatment. Most medical practitioners have no idea how this condition presents itself. For the first few months, patients have very few complaints. They may sleep less and become more impulsive or anxious. Doctors bump up the dosage as more and more of this medication floats around in their bodies. Eventually, the patient complains of panic attacks, agitation, and paranoia. Doctors end up misdiagnosing patients with bipolar disorder and add sedatives and mood stabilizers to their treatment. 9/10 times, if the patient doesn’t pick up on what is going on in their brain, nobody else will. When someone goes into the ER suffering from “Activation Syndrome”, they usually get labeled as a drug seeker due to the erratic behavior exhibited. Benzodiazepines like Ativan being administered can actually make this condition worse. Prozac also has such a long half-life that it can take well over a month to clear completely from the body. Because of this, it makes it next to impossible to tell if your new antidepressant is working any better earlier on in treatment. Because SSRI’s and SNRI’s are not controlled substances, they get prescribed very loosely with little monitoring. When people typically think about dangerous drugs they usually think about Heroin, Meth, or Fentanyl. I have never used any of those substances but I’m here to say that Prozac and Cymbalta were the most physically and mentally damaging drugs that I ever put into my body. The fact that the side effects are quite unpredictable and that they can occur weeks to months after beginning treatment is what makes these drugs so dangerous. Zoloft ended up working out great for me but everyone responds differently to psychotropic drugs.
Thank you for sharing your story. That is so true that everyone responds differently to medications. It is very important to have a provider who is closely monitoring your effects and response to the medication. I'm glad to hear you finally found a medication that worked well for you.
how you get depressed in America, it's the best country in the world
@FeRoOOo71 It doesn’t really matter what part of the world that you live in. Even wealthy individual’s with good health can get depressed. External stressors do play a significant role in depression, however, they don’t necessarily have to be present for depression to occur. Some people struggle with depression for their entire lives. Other’s will experience it after a traumatic event or for no apparent reason later on in life. It’s not something people choose to have. It just happens. Certain people also have genetic risk factors that make them more likely to suffer from depression.
@@user-jq9oo2tx8i i live in north Africa we have nothing here, we have war and death with no future and still i don't know anyone who have depression. when you have no point in life or you are single woman you will have bad mood and doctors with prescribe you anit-depressants that will f up your brain and hook you for life, it's just business. women need to stop working and get married and have children, no woman with good marriage and lots of healthy babies have depression. as for men if they have depression it's simple they are lazy, weak minded individuals.
How were you diagnosed and what were your initial symptoms?
The last time Prozac worked for me was Oct. 5th, 6th & 7th in 2003 and for two and a half days I felt like myself again. In other words, I had risen from the grave. However, it hasn't worked again since then. I wouldn't say it made me feel good. What it did was make me feel like myself again. Also, the three times that Fluoxetine did work for me it started working before the fourth dose. One psychiatrist of mine believed that the reason that it started working very quickly was that the drug caught my brain off guard and started doing its "thing" right away but once my brain recognized what was happening it would re-adjiust itself to the way it was used to functioning and would shut it down. Even going up to 120mg a day did not make any difference. The only side-effects I get from Prozac are the loss of libido.
Thanks for sharing your story. I hope you are able to find a treatment plan that works well for you.
Thank you for all the facts about Prozac. Great information 😊
man, im only 15 and got prescribed this. i took the pills only a couple minutes ago but they never told me whats gonna happen or what im gonna feel.. these comments got my hopes but ive also seen some shi saying they became more suicidal and had some bad side effects. getting mixed feelings.
Fluoxetine helped me overcome severe depression. It was on Day 25 that I woke up and I was back to normal. I didn’t gradually get better. It’s like I went to sleep one night and woke up the next day feeling great! 2 years later and I am still on it . The highest I went up was to 40mg. Now at 20 mg.I truly believe many people give up on it too soon.Having said that I know it doesn’t work for everyone. I would say to anyone looking for anti depressant therapy to not give up. There are many options that are bound to work sooner or later. I recommend going to psych Dr and not a general practitioner.
I’m day 5 into it and still feeling horrible. Hopefully I can wake up one of these days and feel great. I heard it takes up to 2 weeks? Or even 3?
Yes give it 2-4 weeks to start working then 8 weeks for max effectiveness.
@@LevelheadedMind so it’s normal to feel worse the first week? Then the 2nd or 3rd week I should be feeling good?
It took me about 3 1/2 weeks before I was back to normal. Keep in mind every one is different. I remember I actually felt worse when I started taking it but hung in there until there was a positive change.If in doubt you should consult with your Dr.
It can be. If you're not better by week 2 and still feel worse, let your doctor know as you may be experiencing adverse effects.
It is always difficult to suggest how long any SSRI will take to work because every person I have spoken with who has taken them, including myself, have taken different amounts of time for them to work. For me, this is my first time on Fluoxetine, although over past years I have been on nearly all of them for a long enough time but they turn me into a soporific zombie. I am now in my 6th week of 20mg fluox and as I sit her typing this I still have no improvement in depressive symptoms with the addition of anxiety caused by the medication. I have a good understanding of my own mental health and studied psychology and trained as a therapist... I know I do not want to increase this because I know it would be too much for me (I only weigh 47 kg) but I wonder if it will still need more time to work. I am seeing my doctor next week for a review but there are only two things she will be able to offer me.... an increased dose or another medication. In the UK we see our general practitioners for this, not psychiatrists...if you want to see a psychiatrist you have to go private and it costs around £300 an appointment. Most people can't afford that and we have been used to our NHS which is free. Anyway, that still doesn't help me short term. Has anyone here had it take longer than 6 weeks to kick in? I know it's doing something because I had an initial great feeling for a week when I first started it. It wasn't placebo...it really did lift me. I read a lot of people have this experience so it is synonymous with this medication.
Hey it's been 2 weeks since you wrote this I'm curious if you are feeling any better now the meds have kicked in? Have you ever tried psychedelics? I've been reading a lot of info how they can rewire the brain and open the mind
I'm nearly on week 7 and the 20mg of fluoxetine has just started working. It can take upto 12 weeks for the full effect. Its definitely a miracle drug for me. No more panic attacks social anxiety depression over thinking all gone. Happy I took another shot at anti depressants after over ten years trying many many others and not ever having an effect like prozac.
Try prozac not any generic of it
Wait,the dosis of antidepressants has to do with one's weight?
Exactly the information I needed. Thank you so much!
I’m still on Fluoxetine and am still happy with it !:)
I started today. May my life change from today.
What are your symtoms
@@nellywhiteskincare4712 well. I don't feel like am faiting anymore.
Do you have a one monete update? Any side effects? Any changes?
How you doing now?
@@ACD1994 fantastic! Am living again!
I started 3 days ago and l hope this will change my life
Been on Prozac for five years and ready to try to come off. Have a doctor appointment next week and starting back up talk therapy. Husband and I plan to grow our family soon, and I’d prefer to not be on antidepressants while pregnant because it scares me since I can’t find research to say if it’s safe or not. But even without the thought of pregnancy, I want to see if I can live life without Prozac. It served its purpose. Helped with my OCD sooooo much. Helped my entire thinking and helped me feel better. I will not quit cold Turkey, but I do hope to come off. Is it possible to do so and not have a horrible process coming off? I’m on 40mg and assuming I’ll go down to 30, then 20, 10, 5, then off? I’m scared. Again, doing it under the care of a doctor but I’m scared of the withdraw and scared my ocd and major depression episodes will return. I am open to getting back on it when off if im super depressed. But I wanna see if I CAN get off it.
Its baddd
u should talk to OB i think a few can be taken with pregnancy with low risk
any updates?
Using from last ten years . Satisfied with the pill. Best antidipresant fluoxetine.
I've been on Fluoxetine for about a week now and I cannot sleep at all. During the day I have to nap for 20 mins or so then I stay awake all night. Keep in mind I get home from work at 2am but I was going to bed around 4:30am, now I'm going to bed closer to 8:30am. Will this straighten itself out?
Insomnia cab be a side effect of this medication. Make sure you're taking it first thing when you wake up, or whatever time you'd consider your morning to be, then stay on that schedule. Also, practice good sleep hygiene every night. If still an issue, discuss with your provider.
@@LevelheadedMind thank you
Hi doctor. Iam on
1. Fluoxetine 60mg
2. Thrive 10 mg
3. Lethium priadel 800mg
Though feeling better I occasionally feel unwell. I watched your video in combining fluoxetine and thryve. What is comment on my combination? What could be the problem? Also concerned about taking so much medicine 💊
I love its energizing properties!
are you having success with this med?
@@jasongendron8309 sure am. It’s changed my life. Best I’ve felt in 7-8 years!
Will this help me find things enjoyable again?
Omg thank you so much 4 saying it doesn't cause addition because the psychiatrist around here seem to think every almost every medy there is is addictive fr no lie it's crazy!
Maybe a complete hormone panel should be run before pushing these poison. I went to my then doctor complaining of anxiety and low mood, fatigue, insomnia etc and without even running any bloods he put me on Zoloft and adivan. My symptoms went through the roof. After a few months I weaned off the crap and suffered horrible depression and withdrawls. My new doctor ran bloods and discovered that I had low testosterone. I’m now on testosterone replacement therapy and feel wonderful. Doctors are just a little to eager to treat symptoms rather than finding the real cause of your symptoms.
Testosterone treatment i heard it hard to measurre levels and can help but low or above levels can put a person through hell if the therapy is wrong as i heard most don't really know how to treat testosterone and its understanding.
Been there done that. And ya that’s not going to fix your problem. Just another cover up
@
It solved the problem because it was determined that my body quit making enough testosterone because of testicular cancer. The cancer was delt with and I will be on testosterone replacement therapy for the rest of my life. I feel completely normal now. Find the cause of the problem rather than masking the symptoms.
Thanks for that great video ❤
I'm experiencing these symptoms after 8 weeks of treatment :
illogical, disturbing or frightening dreams,
libido decreased
yawning too much.
fatigue and sleepiness in day time
i had been taking fluoxetine 20 mg since 6 April.
it had been really very very helpful in recovering from my depressed mood and anxiety.
Major Depressive Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, Bulimia,
and Panic Disorder: abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, anorexia,
anxiety, asthenia, diarrhea, dry mouth, dyspepsia, flu syndrome,
impotence, insomnia, libido decreased, nausea, nervousness,
pharyngitis, rash, sinusitis, somnolence, sweating, tremor,
vasodilatation, and yawn.
So did help or not?
My dr prescribed Prozac for a vestibular disorder...pppd...what do you think.
Same ! Haven’t actually taken it yet though
I'm on 40 MG right now, I guess I feel relax idk.. I been going thru some tough years
I just watched this video and it was 👍
Starting this medicine soon, so ready. I really enjoy how you explain things.
Thank you so much
Glad it was helpful! Thank s for watching and I wish you well on your mental health care journey.
In 2019 my doc prescribed me 20 mg of prozac, the med started to kick in after 3 days only, my anxiet and depression was gone, and in december 2020, my doc stopped my medications, anxiety and depression was back again after 5 days of stopping it, in june 2021 i took prozac again, and can't feel anything at all, do you think the medicine was resistance to me
You may be experiencing rebound depression, versus a return of the depression it self, which can take time for it to pass- typically 3 months. Discuss this possibility with your provider. You can certainly resume treatment, but may need to higher doses to treat, for my patients I prefer they get support from diet, and amino acid supplements first before jumping back into psychotropic medication treatment.
@@LevelheadedMind last year i tried maybe 7 types of anti depresssant, nothing works, but in 2019 i was prescribed amisulpride and fluoxetine, and only after 3 days i was normal,
@@lalrinliana5966 did you have any side effects
@@nerdbamarich2063 no i did not but once i stoped taking fluoxetine my depression was back again after 5 days, to say the truth, i was prescribe fluoxetine and amisulpride and i was care free after 3 days
@@lalrinliana5966 wow it started working that fast? I have insomnia and very bad anxiety. Do you think it will help? Are you a male or a female and did it give you sexual side effects?
Im on flunil 20 about 2 weeks. Weight loss tiredness. How long should i take this drug. Doctor prescribed for another 1 month. What all things to be include in diet.
I was started on 20 MG Prozac on Tuesday, January 3rd. within a few days, I was feeling strange. By the following Monday, I became jittery and anxious. And the next day I was tweaky, but slept all day. And by the following day, I felt so horrible, I decided to stop taking Prozac because I was so anxious and suicidal. I was nearly psychotic and just wanted this Hell to stop. Good thing I have a telemed therapist who suggested I go to the hospital ER. I could barely stand, barely walk, had horrible tremors and weakness. I did go to ER and was given Hydroxyzine and given a prescription for the same to take at home. That med helped me get through the next few days of Prozac Hell. Prozac stays in your system several days to several weeks, depending on how long you've taken it. I've been off it 5 days and still a little tweaky, but better than a few days ago. Never again. Not worth it.
It’s normal to increase anxiety before it gets better
High dose to start with. I was started on a 5mg baby dose and it feels pretty smooth
@@quinnemilepoe9604 Isn't 20mg the base dosis for adults?
That's why I don't trust doctors.
@@ievaanitagrunsberga2881 It is not always doctor's fault, the medicine does have these side effects and you cannot say which patient is going to have which reaction until they take the medicine.
I enjoy watching your videos. You really break them down very well, and I appreciate all that you do in educating us. Can you please do a video on Topiramate. Thank you.
It worked for me almost immediately …within 1 to 2 days…I have no idea why? But it always works … when I’m stressed more…I can up my dose with my doctor’s recommendation and prescription.
Did you hear her say that it's anti-inflammatory? It definitely is and I strongly suspect that when a person gets an immediate benefit it's primarily the anti-inflammatory action that they are feeling.
I have Glaucoma. Is it safe if i take it .❤ thanks
Prozac turned me into a zombie. Like someone picked up the remote and pressed the mute button. Doesn’t necessarily make you happy only stops you from feeling sad. Stopped me from feeling anything at all :(
Same
I wonder what it does if that’s how you already feel
@@Zarmarria just puts a straight jacket on you so you don’t “Epstein” yourself :(
How long are you on it now?
@@hridoykhan-tl5kb I got off it years ago. Doing way better now 🤙
What does it do if you reduce the amount?
I'm on 40 mg, then I dropped it to 20 mg ( I had too, since it was making me, to put on too much weight, more rounder, and with the lack if my Gp, ( He's on holidays, and won't be back for a while) I've been reducing it too only 20mg, and Fluoxetine tablet forms are not available here where I live.
So what are the symptoms if I was too reduced it?
At 40 mg, it was giving me weird vivid dreams and a " loud" heartbeat.
Please reply.
I have lived with complex post traumatic stress for years. Docs have been prescribing different types of drugs for the last year as I finally sought treatment for it. It was on Paxil for about 6 months and had way too many bad side effects so I tapered off enduring bad vertigo for 2 months. My biggest complaint these days are my chronic insomnia. I have luck with Ambien but I can't take it forever so my doc prescribed another SSRI to me again. This time fluoxetine. I just picked it up but I'm very reluctant to start it.
Question for anyone with experience? Should I? I really don't want to go through all the hell I had with Paxil again.
Same.. My doctor wants to start me off tomorrow and I'm scared.. I think I have anxiety and anxious most times.. So I'm not sure was to do.
I'm right there with you. I had a horrible seizure and wrecked my car back in 2016 due to Zoloft. Then I blacked out while driving in 2020 due to busprone. Now they want me to try Prozac. Everyday I suffer from panic, to the point that I physically start shaking and get sick to my stomach. But these medications seem to be so darn dangerous. It's like there's no escape
@@stretchthemechanic8836 I'm finally totally off SSRIs. I filled my script for fluoxetine but never opened the bottle.
@@xsmileyx4037how are you today?
I need help for my perspective but I’ve never really got help from anti-depressants. However, my psychiatrist wants me either to get on anti-depressants for my symptoms or try TMS. I’m still cautious about TMS. Anti-depressants have a tendency to prone to weight gain. I”m single and i can’t gain weight. I’m 65 years old and anti-depressants aren’t good for seniors.
6 days now and I'm experiencing forgetfulness, zombie feeling and can't think also my anxiety is too high from the pill
Thanks for sharing your experience, these are things to discuss with your provider if they persist more than 2 weeks (typical time for adjustment) than best to switch medications. Good luck with your mental health care journey.
I told you not to take it
How are you now?
Great information, thank you so much x
Man first day i took it i felt so much better
How do you feel now ?
I took it yesterday for the first time with food and felt nothing. Took it this morning without food and noticed more energy right away and was more focused at work. I’m thinking wow 2nd day and I’m already feeling better. Wondering if it’s fluoxetine or placebo effect 😂
I am currently taking fluoxetine and clonidine my dad is worried about it effecting my body or liver or kidney. ?
Prozac just make me feel everything is ok… i will stay on it until my life circumstances get better, to be honest i tried different types of ssri, prozac was the only one that worked and didnt cause crazy side effect, not even libido side effects.. lexapro, paxil were hell
Edit; the only problem is that they stop working after a while and then you have to increase the dose, 20mg stopped working in a year and I upped recently to 40mg
Prozac is pretty good. It didn’t make me incredibly all sunshine and rainbows but it got me out of bed which was I was hoping for. It did make my dreams weird, I did eat more, and i became more “speedy.” Sometimes I would be too “speedy,” so I got on bupropion in addition to the Prozac. Cause trazadone was awful for me 🤣. I don’t wanna go back to trazadone EVER. the bupropion definitely feels different. it did help with the mood swings i would get from Prozac. Overall not bad. But forsure my biggest side effects with prozac would be first appetite, cinnamon rolls, pizza, cheese, chips all hit SOO different on prozac. The bupropion makes food taste like plastic🤣. But anyways yeah thanks for coming to my ted talk about drugs.
I stopped this medication recently after being on it for 20 years for irritability with menstrual cycles . Now that I have slowly stopped , the side effects are so bad I have to go back on it! Irritability, severe, and waking up at night in panic mode. I have never in my life had that symptom. My body cannot function without it! I’m not happy about that at all.
It sounds like you need some free form amino acids for support and get labs to rule out vitamin deficiencies or other root causes of your irritability as well.
@@LevelheadedMind Makes a lot of sense but doctors family health pro's have no clue or study Vitamins today. they seemed to have slowed down completely and not good at all for the patient. iether its time consuming and payments arn't taken care of and makes the patient worse getting to be a big problem and many are in more danger than it was about 30 years ago when it was a normal checkup practice and helped greatly. . Patients vit count isn't checked many complaints of why even after years.
I love love love that you actually answered so many questions!!! Never seen anyone do as many as you. Thank you
I m frm India. I have been taking paroxytene 37.5+ D venlor 100 for the past many years. For the past one year it is not working.
Lethargy, over sleeping, lack of energy, low, very low self esteem, negative thoughts and dreams throughout 24 hours.
No suicidal thoughts at all.
Don't know what to do!
I have similar symptoms but not from medication, just started on Cyclotine 20 (Fluoxetine)....Let's see now...
Been on Celexa for 10 years. Finally began to taper a month ago. The withdrawal is rough, no one told me getting off of it was going to be rough
I am sorry you are experiencing this. One way to help ease this is to go very slowly and even consider half dosing, so instead of going from 40 to 30mg, you go down to 35mg which would require cutting a 10mg pill in half. Also, discuss with your provider, switching to fluoxetine to help alleviate these symptoms, because of its long half life it's easier to come off of. Tell your provider to go to switchRx.com to get a good idea of how to make the switch more smoothly. Also, the Ashton Manual has a section on withdrawing from antidepressants that may be helpful. Good luck with this process and I wish you well 🙏
@@LevelheadedMind thank you for your reply. It's getting better week by week. No more drugs for me. One antidepressant is enough
Hope you feel better I think my Xanax stop working going though with
@@henrylance6584 slowly getting better, still got on and off anxiety and depressive mood still. Hope you get well soon
@@LevelheadedMind I have burning tongue and mouth syndrome, angular cheiltus, canker sores, extremely dry mouth and the list goes on from Lexapro. It also took away my tears. I have been off for 2 months now. Will things change for the better? I am afraid to try another antidepressant.
They have been making me so tired after taking them. It's my first week taking it. Does it go away?
It takes me two years to start taking them, but when I start taking the fluoxetine since the first day, I feel amazing. I have a good energy. I woke up early. I can go out. I can see people I don’t have that anxiety like before.
First day you felt great?
I get very very sleepy after taking prozac and its my third day is it going to be ok??
I would think one of the top 5 things you NEED to know is the black box warning in this drug.
Yes, I agree and I explain this along with all other rare and dangerous side effects of antidepressants in general in this video- th-cam.com/video/-JoTNsqyDxw/w-d-xo.html
Thank you ❤this video was very informative and helpful
Did you take it?
Could you do a comparison of fluoxetine and sertraline?
Great video idea... it's on the list!
@RetainTheDark The comparison video will drop tomorrow at 1pm EST, I hope you find it helpful.
@@LevelheadedMind great, thanks!
Mam plz need your help my gp prescribed me prosac for ocd with zyprexa despite that it worst ocd what should I take with prosac for ocd as an augment risperidone or amisulpride or abilfy which one suits best with prozac for ocd
just took my first 20 mg, let's see how it goes
How is it working for you today? Did you have any side effects?
Whish is safer and better for ocd doctor fluoxetine or sertraline??
Both can be used, in my opinion I find sertraline to be better or even fluvoxamine.
I just wanna say something for that definitely small, but definitely non-zero, group of people who might feel a pinch invalidated when people say things like "Unfortunately" fluoxetine/other SSRIs can cause a decrease in libido/sexual 'dysfunction': I know you exist. You're not alone. This is a valid use case for these medications. For treating Post-Orgasmic Illness Syndrome, Persistent Genital Arousal Disorder, Hypersexuality, or just lowering your libido for any reason because it's your body, your life, your rules. You are not crazy, you are not alone. You *are* worth it. Stay strong and do what you know is best for you. Good luck~
Guys I got my first 10mg prozac prescription. I drank a decent amount at 4-5pm should I be fine taking the 10mg pill the next day at 12pm
Yes, alcohol has a short half-life unless you have liver disease. Also, don't make drinking alcohol a habit as it is a depressant which is the complete opposite of antidepressant!
I agree I recommend others to not abruptly stop using it , if you forget to take quickly resume I went a day without taking it and was confused the next morning , emotions high and low not mention I also lit a cigarette up in my house when I normally smoke outside I was shocked be careful guys 💯
I can’t say thank you enough for making this video you helped me a lot to understand about this medication . Much luv nd respect🌹
Thanks for watching, I'm glad to hear you found it useful.
hi doctor i need your help I have been taking fluoxetine 20mg for severe depression for 7 1/2 weeks now and hearing my journey so far. I was on bupropion, citalopram, cipralex, remeron, venlafaxine, nothing helped. Week 1 - Started on Fluoxetine and no side effects yet. Week 2 - No signs of improvement and no side effects. Week 3 - I feel signs of improvement, I felt normal, calm for the first 2 days of the week. The rest of the week, I feel down Week 4 - No sign of improvement, finally side effects are here, I feel sleepy, lethargic and sleepy all the time and also have restless legs when I sit down (side effect level - 4/ 10). Week 5 - No signs of improvement, I feel sleepy lethargic and sleepy all the time, also have restless legs when I sit down (side effect level - 5/10). Week 6 - No signs of improvement, I feel sleepy lethargic and sleepy all the time, I walk like a zombie, I also have restless legs when I sit down (side effect level - 8/10) Week 7 - No signs of improvement, Week 8running……I still have some hope…. That's what drives me to be on it Is this normal?
You are having adverse effects. Discuss this with your provider and make sure you have been thoroughly evaluated for Bipolar depression and also root causes.
How fluoxetine uses for treatment of hyperhydrosis
I had a panic attack that lasted a day after 2 weeks on it. :(