No one should be alone in this. We can help. View New Content

[numbskullll]

My celexa quit on me so now im starting prozac. 1st day went down to 40mg from 60 celexa and started 10mg prozac. Had trouble sleeping but I was less edgy.

[Sheepwoman]

The overlap (going down on one and starting on another) usually reduces withdrawals.

When are you taking your Prozac, or rather, what time is it prescribed to be taken? I found taking it at night kept me awake. It was much better taking it in the morning as my doc told me it was a "day med."
Sheepwoman

[Powderfish]

I totally agree with Sheepwoman with regard to taking it in the morning. If I took it at night I wouldn't sleep a wink, though conversely I have heard that some people get exhaustive effects from this med. I guess it's individual, but for someone initially starting out it should certainly be trialled in the morning first.

[numbskullll]

Im on for 4 days now, im taking it first thing in the morning and im still having a hard time getting to sleep at night. Also im feeling a little nervous during the day.

[Bede]

I'm on day 9 of Prozac. I take it at lunchtime and that seems to be working well for me. The first few days I had a hard time falling asleep at night but I noticed once I finally DID fall asleep, I was sleeping better. My anxiety kind of bounced (well still is actually) bouncing around a little bit as well. 2 days ago,on day 7, I noticed a BIG turn around in my mood. Since then some of the other mild side-effects I'd been having have also gotten better. Hang in there, K?

[amazinggrace]

I'm starting for the 3rd time tomorrow. Just one pill, will work up if I need to.

I've been putting this off for ages, trying to cope, but i've hit rock bottom, i'd like to be happy by Christmas.

Good luck xxx

[numbskullll]

I'm on day 9 of Prozac. I take it at lunchtime and that seems to be working well for me. The first few days I had a hard time falling asleep at night but I noticed once I finally DID fall asleep, I was sleeping better. My anxiety kind of bounced (well still is actually) bouncing around a little bit as well. 2 days ago,on day 7, I noticed a BIG turn around in my mood. Since then some of the other mild side-effects I'd been having have also gotten better. Hang in there, K?

Thank you dear, I read through a lot of posts here and words like yours give me hope that there is a light at the end. Im on day 6 now the panic attacks have slowed down, I still feel quite nervous on and off during the day. Overall I feel a little more in control.

Bede since you are a few days ahead of me let me know how your doing.
Thanks.

[amazinggrace]

On my first day I had a strange freak out at the grocery store, wasn't nice. Day 2 today, i've been for a walk in the woods with the dog and had no problems, been very relaxed. Got two partys tonight, does anyone know anything about prozac and alcohol?

[Bede]

Got two partys tonight, does anyone know anything about prozac and alcohol?

From what I've read, its probably NOT a good idea to mix the two. You might want to research it online or call your pharmacist or Dr. to find out for sure.

However, I did have a few sips of alcohol the other night with no ill effects.

[numbskullll]

I'm on day 6 now i am feeling very nervous right now. I had to take a adivan. I hope I start feeling better soon.

[Mabel Sue]

I'm on day 4 and haven't really noticed any change yet, except one. I take mine right before bed and have noticed that I am sleeping more soundly than before. There was a label on the bottle that said it may cause drowsiness so I didn't want to take it in the AM before work.

I have enough issues there without being tired!!

[slowpoke17]

Hey everyone, I just registered and just started Prozac three days ago.

I'm 29, drug naive, no psychiatric history, no family history of mental illness, etc. While I've had some periods of mild depression in the past, it was nothing that I felt really warranted or required psychiatric care.

However, some stressful life events precipitated my latest bout with depression, which has lasted about 4 weeks to date, and has been pretty bad - weight gain, low mood, lack of energy and interest in activities, poor sleep, etc. I finally broke down and decided to visit a psychiatrist, who after evaluation, prescribed Prozac 20 mg per day, in the morning.

Couple of quick questions:

1) I literally started feeling effects of the medication within hours - first, some minor side effects, and by the next morning, I felt a bit better. Is this normal for the medication to work so quickly? I know this isn't the placebo effect, the past two days I have felt like a bit of cloud has lifted; nothing major, I know there's still work to do but gosh, I do feel different.

2) Since I started feeling some positive changes so quickly, does this mean I was really depressed? OR not really depressed?

3) Side Effects - For the first 24-36 hours, I've felt a bit 'woozy' at times, sometimes extremely edgy/fidgety, had a bit of difficulty sleeping last night, and sometimes my jaw feels as if I had clenched my teeth for awhile, although I haven't - I guess you could say my jaw feels a bit sore. Is this normal? Anyone ever experience this?

Thanks and have a good night!

[numbskullll]

I'm on day 7 now, for me I did notice on the first day my anxiety was cut back a little. During day 2 to 7 I was able to function a little better then I was able the weeks before. I know there is alot more improvement to come. I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

[slowpoke17]

I'm on day 7 now, for me I did notice on the first day my anxiety was cut back a little. During day 2 to 7 I was able to function a little better then I was able the weeks before. I know there is alot more improvement to come. I'm starting to see a light at the end of the tunnel.

Thanks for your reply - I've been searching through boards and most people have found that the medication took some time to kick in - I guess we were the lucky ones...

Yeah, I'm on Day 4 now, today I feel great. I slept a bit too late, but I think that had more to do with the fact I accidentally forgot to set my alarm clock rather than the meds... It's Sunday so I guess I'm allowed anyway, lol.

Glad to hear you are feeling better! I'm kicking myself for not getting help sooner!

[numbskullll]

A little bit of a update here from this morning, I posted that I was feeling better but a few hrs later I had a huge crying spell... Don't know exactly why perhaps Its because im doing this alone, I don't know. It might be the prosess this medication takes. I hope it gets better...

[amazinggrace]

A little bit of a update here from this morning, I posted that I was feeling better but a few hrs later I had a huge crying spell... Don't know exactly why perhaps Its because im doing this alone, I don't know. It might be the prosess this medication takes. I hope it gets better...

Your not doing it on your own, remember you have us xxx

Day 3, i've been very tired. Got to say I feel no different yet. Haven't been very hungry which is unlike me. My mood is still low and i'm very snappy.

[Bede]

I'm on Day 13 of taking Prozac.

I swear, SWEAR, I felt the stuff hit my brain 40 minutes after I took the first pill. I know the time because I took it at the top of the hour and was sitting at the computer when I felt it. I looked at the clock and thought "OH COME ON, its been 40 minutes. My mind must be playing tricks on me."


My anxiety did bounce around alot the first few days and I had a few days where I was really nervous and spacey and groggy. It only lasted a couple of days though and it wasn't bad enough for me to want to stop taking it.

I've lost weight. I'm sleeping so much better now. I still have a little bit of anxiety sometimes but it is NOTHING like before I started on the meds. I'm calm. I'm happy. I'm content. I can smile and talk to people now.


I was a little worried about how the Prozac was going to affect the bedroom activities but Hubby and I spent a little bit of *ahem* time together yesterday and everything was juuuuuust fine. ;)

So far I am thrilled with the results. Going to the Dr. and admitting I needed meds was one of the hardest things I've ever done in my life but I'm so glad I did and I wish now I wouldn't have wasted so much time fighting the fact that I needed some help.

Edited by Bede, 23 November 2008 - 03:19 PM.

[Bede]

A little bit of a update here from this morning, I posted that I was feeling better but a few hrs later I had a huge crying spell... Don't know exactly why perhaps Its because im doing this alone, I don't know. It might be the prosess this medication takes. I hope it gets better...

Amazinggrace is right, you aren't alone. We're all right here with you.

It does get better. IT DOES!!

[numbskullll]

A little bit of a update here from this morning, I posted that I was feeling better but a few hrs later I had a huge crying spell... Don't know exactly why perhaps Its because im doing this alone, I don't know. It might be the prosess this medication takes. I hope it gets better...

Amazinggrace is right, you aren't alone. We're all right here with you.

It does get better. IT DOES!!

I hope your right because its really sucking right now. :-(...

[slowpoke17]

I'm on Day 13 of taking Prozac.

I swear, SWEAR, I felt the stuff hit my brain 40 minutes after I took the first pill. I know the time because I took it at the top of the hour and was sitting at the computer when I felt it. I looked at the clock and thought "OH COME ON, its been 40 minutes. My mind must be playing tricks on me."

Exactly. Within an hour or two of taking the first pill, I got hit by it too, it went straight to the brain and the neurotransmitters easily complied. :)

[numbskullll]

The first couple of days I did feel a little better. Now I feel 300% worse then I have ever felt in my life.

[slowpoke17]

The first couple of days I did feel a little better. Now I feel 300% worse then I have ever felt in my life.

Numbskull, have you contacted your psychiatrist? I've been in touch with mine over the course of the past few days, despite feeling positive, just to provide an update regarding side effects. It might be a good idea if you aren't feeling too hot anymore. :(

[numbskullll]

Right now im going to ride it out, Was told that it could get worse before it gets better. im keeping my fingers crossed.

[Jamooki]

Hey everyone!

I've just read through all of your posts and a lot of them remind me of when I first started on Prozac. I'm now in my 9th week and my whole life has been turned around - I feel amazing! Believe me the first 2-3 weeks I found were the worst. Some days I'd feel great then the next I'd feel absolutely terrible. Other days I could barely stay awake at work and then others I felt really 'spaced' and 'out-of-it', but from visiting these forums and reading what others have experienced I decided to ride-it-out and just keep going. Just remember IT DOES GET BETTER! Just bare with it as it often takes a while to 'kick-in' and when it does you'll be so grateful that you stuck with it.

On my first day of taking Prozac I felt the effects a few hours later.
I generally sleep better now but often wake a number of times in the night which can be annoying - however I still feel rested in the morning.
I often catch myself clenching my jaw but it doesn't cause any pain - I've read that it does disturb some people though.
My libido is OK but isn't what it was a few months ago.
From day one I've taken Prozac with a multivitamin - I've read that this can help with the effects of Prozac. I don't know if this is true or not but it's definitely helped with my diet as well.

Remember though if you've been on it for 6 weeks and still haven't experienced any positive effects then it'd be a good idea to consult your doc. Prozac doesn't always work for everyone but there are other options that you can talk to your doctor about.

Good luck

[amazinggrace]

Urgh, I felt so sick today.

We passed a burger van where usually i'd be 1st in line, but I had to run past to get away from the smell, my tummy was turning. Was awful.

[numbskullll]

Hey everyone!

I've just read through all of your posts and a lot of them remind me of when I first started on Prozac. I'm now in my 9th week and my whole life has been turned around - I feel amazing! Believe me the first 2-3 weeks I found were the worst. Some days I'd feel great then the next I'd feel absolutely terrible. Other days I could barely stay awake at work and then others I felt really 'spaced' and 'out-of-it', but from visiting these forums and reading what others have experienced I decided to ride-it-out and just keep going. Just remember IT DOES GET BETTER! Just bare with it as it often takes a while to 'kick-in' and when it does you'll be so grateful that you stuck with it.

On my first day of taking Prozac I felt the effects a few hours later.
I generally sleep better now but often wake a number of times in the night which can be annoying - however I still feel rested in the morning.
I often catch myself clenching my jaw but it doesn't cause any pain - I've read that it does disturb some people though.
My libido is OK but isn't what it was a few months ago.
From day one I've taken Prozac with a multivitamin - I've read that this can help with the effects of Prozac. I don't know if this is true or not but it's definitely helped with my diet as well.

Remember though if you've been on it for 6 weeks and still haven't experienced any positive effects then it'd be a good idea to consult your doc. Prozac doesn't always work for everyone but there are other options that you can talk to your doctor about.

Good luck

Thanks for the great post, I'm 10 days into this thing now, yesterday I thought I was going to have a nervous break down, today I feel fantastic! I know I'm going to crash and fall off this cloud. Knowing now there is going to be ups and downs has given me piece of mind to stick with it.

[Bede]

DAY 17 today. I feel more down today compared to previous days. Don't get me wrong, it is NOTHING like it was pre-prozac,but I noticed a definite dip in mood this morning. No bump-up with anxiety though, so thats good. I'm sleeping wonderfully. The nausea pretty much seems to have gone away although my appetite is still really,really down. DH and kids notice a huge improvement in the way I react to them now.

[numbskullll]

Bede, I'm glad to here your feeling better over all. I wish that I could feel as good as I did yesterday all the time. I went to bed last night feeling pretty good and woke up this morning in a down mood. Not real bad but down, its getting better.

[amazinggrace]

Day 6 for me, still got nausea and low appetite (not that i'm complaining, I need to lose weight)

Haven't seen a great shift in my mood, but I am getting a wiggle on. Pre Prozac I was muddling my words often, seems a bit better now.

Good luck everyone, keep posting xxx

[numbskullll]

Day 6 for me, still got nausea and low appetite (not that i'm complaining, I need to lose weight)

Haven't seen a great shift in my mood, but I am getting a wiggle on. Pre Prozac I was muddling my words often, seems a bit better now.

Good luck everyone, keep posting xxx

This is my 11th day now, after day 7 my mood would go up and down day by day the ups are getting better and the lows are not so bad anymore and don't last as long. My appetite is getting better with less nausea.

Amazinggrace I hope you start to feel better soon.

[Bede]

Not having a good day here (day 18). I'm jumpy and anxious and irritable. I think I'll try and keep moving and busy today so I don't just sit around and dwell on how cruddy I feel. Hopefully, I'll get better as the day progresses, I've noticed that tends to be what happens.

Hope everyone else is doing ok today.

Bede

Edited by Bede, 28 November 2008 - 11:45 AM.

[numbskullll]

Day 12 I feel like crap, My mind is foggy, I'm shaky, can't concentrate, and I just feel blue.

[numbskullll]

Not having a good day here (day 18). I'm jumpy and anxious and irritable. I think I'll try and keep moving and busy today so I don't just sit around and dwell on how cruddy I feel. Hopefully, I'll get better as the day progresses, I've noticed that tends to be what happens.

Hope everyone else is doing ok today.

Bede

Lately the same thing has been happening to me, I would feel better as the day goes on. But not today. I'm going to go to bed early maybe I can sleep it off.

[numbskullll]

Nop sleeping it off didn't work.

So its supposed to take up to 4-6 weeks for this stuff to work huh. I'm about 2 weeks and I am becoming very frustrated with the results so far!
I feel ok one day and like crap the next. On the days I feel OK I think I can make plans for the next day. But when the next day comes I have to cancel them because I can hardly function. I'm going to try to be patient with this I just hope I'm not going through this for nothing and that prozac will work for me.

[Jamooki]

Nop sleeping it off didn't work.

So its supposed to take up to 4-6 weeks for this stuff to work huh. I'm about 2 weeks and I am becoming very frustrated with the results so far!
I feel ok one day and like crap the next. On the days I feel OK I think I can make plans for the next day. But when the next day comes I have to cancel them because I can hardly function. I'm going to try to be patient with this I just hope I'm not going through this for nothing and that prozac will work for me.

Numbskull I know exactly what you mean. When I first started my gf and I would make plans to meet with friends for the weekend then by the time the day arrived the last thing I'd felt like doing is socialising The ups-and-downs definitely stopped me from planning anything for a while - I just focused on getting through each day. It was difficult because the days you feel really good you want to go out and do stuff, then the next day you feel aweful. Just hang in there - you said it yourself the bad days seemed like they were dwindling - that's just how I felt. Stay patient!

[Bede]

I feel kind of flat today, not up nor down, just flat. I'm sleepy too, fighting the urge to lay down on the sofa and nap. I'll seriously screw my sleep up tonight if I let myself do that though, so I'm fighting it. No anxiety today, so that's good. I've got a ton of homework to do, but I can't find the motivation to go and get it done either. Blah. Not sure I like this mood today.

[numbskullll]

Nop sleeping it off didn't work.

So its supposed to take up to 4-6 weeks for this stuff to work huh. I'm about 2 weeks and I am becoming very frustrated with the results so far!
I feel ok one day and like crap the next. On the days I feel OK I think I can make plans for the next day. But when the next day comes I have to cancel them because I can hardly function. I'm going to try to be patient with this I just hope I'm not going through this for nothing and that prozac will work for me.

Numbskull I know exactly what you mean. When I first started my gf and I would make plans to meet with friends for the weekend then by the time the day arrived the last thing I'd felt like doing is socialising The ups-and-downs definitely stopped me from planning anything for a while - I just focused on getting through each day. It was difficult because the days you feel really good you want to go out and do stuff, then the next day you feel aweful. Just hang in there - you said it yourself the bad days seemed like they were dwindling - that's just how I felt. Stay patient!

Thanks, If it wasn't for you and people like you on this forum I would have lost it and gave up long ago. It to bad that something that's supposed help you feel good has so many side effects and takes so long to work. grrrr.

[numbskullll]

I feel kind of flat today, not up nor down, just flat. I'm sleepy too, fighting the urge to lay down on the sofa and nap. I'll seriously screw my sleep up tonight if I let myself do that though, so I'm fighting it. No anxiety today, so that's good. I've got a ton of homework to do, but I can't find the motivation to go and get it done either. Blah. Not sure I like this mood today.

Bede I like it better when you put the little hearts in your posts... I miss them. Hope you feel better soon.

Edited by numbskullll, 29 November 2008 - 05:06 PM.

[flippingout]

i hope it works for you. when i was on it, i literally stopped peeing.

[Bede]

Feeling so much better this morning. Not sure what was up yesterday, could be the prozac or maybe my monthly hormonal merry-go-round has started up. I also ate very little yesterday which probably didn't help either. This loss of appetite is a little disconcerting. I certainly can stand to lose some weight,but I've got zero desire for food. I slept alot last night too (10 hours) with weird dreams and waking up often and also woke up once drenched in a cold sweat.

Weirdness, isn't it?

But I've got a lot to get done today and I actually have the motivation to do it, so YAY!

Peace,love, and patience to you all and some hearts for numbskullll

Bede