[Ladyzero]

I am at last seeking help and have just started on fluoxatine (prozac). Now of course, I need the tablets, but am worried about weight gain and loss of libido and the ability to orgasm.
My inactivity during the last year has made me gain weight. It is depressing (that dreaded d word) to finally start to get dressed again, to find my clothes either too small or tight. I am naturally petite, a uk size 8, now a pair of jeans size 10 just fit me, they used to fall off me.
If the tablets make me gain even more weight, I will be even more miserable. I can't afford a whole new wardrobe, and I want my body back !
Please tell me your experiences of this tablet regarding weight.

What about libido, and the ability to orgasm ?
Will I lose that too ?
Please share your findings.
Thank you.

[Permanent Pajamas]

I'm on 80mg (was 100mg). I lost weight, 40 pounds. For me there were no other side effects.

[Sam2]

Originally Posted by Ladyzero

I am at last seeking help and have just started on fluoxatine (prozac). Now of course, I need the tablets, but am worried about weight gain and loss of libido and the ability to orgasm.
My inactivity during the last year has made me gain weight. It is depressing (that dreaded d word) to finally start to get dressed again, to find my clothes either too small or tight. I am naturally petite, a uk size 8, now a pair of jeans size 10 just fit me, they used to fall off me.
If the tablets make me gain even more weight, I will be even more miserable. I can't afford a whole new wardrobe, and I want my body back !
Please tell me your experiences of this tablet regarding weight.

What about libido, and the ability to orgasm ?
Will I lose that too ?
Please share your findings.
Thank you.

One of the unfortunate side effects of many anti-depressants and antipsychotics is weight gain. It doesn't happen to everyone, but it happens enough for it to be up there with "headaches" (a side effect listed for almost every drug period). Weight gain can be uncomfortable physically and emotionally, and many people choose not to use them because of that. However, the better option is to make some changes in your lifestyle.

The medications I am on are for pain, but like your prozac, cause weight gain. It takes some getting used to , but some of the things I did was to switch out some higher fat/calorie foods for some with more fiber, try to put aside some time during the day to take a walk, or just go up and down the stairs several times in succession. I can't say its easy, and there are days when I just can't, but it helps.

Fortunately, these days there are all kinds of decent tasting food choices that are low fat. Since I don't know your situation or your overall health, and besides, I'm not an M.D., I can't direct you to what things you can and can't have. The next time you see your Dr., (or call to make an appt. if you don't want to wait), talk to him/her about your concerns and coming up with an exercise and diet you can live with . By diet I don't mean "go on a diet", those are short term and don't work in the long run. I mean a diet change that includes being more careful about what you eat.

Drinking a lot can help fill you up, and if you are not a water person, (I hate the stuff), there are some nice flavored drinks, like some of the sports drinks, that have vitamins and flavor, but no calories. Admittedly, they can be a little expensive, but they are available. Bottom line is that its going to take some work on your part. Hopefully taking the prozac will make you feel better emotionally, and that will give you the extra will power to be more active. Once you make a lifestyle change, it won't be so bad. Good luck!

Sam2

[shortandcute]

I did gain about 8 pounds, but I've always done that anyway--so I don't think it's from that.
As far as my libido, it has decreased, but in may case, that was a good thing!

[jitters]

No problems with decreased libido, anorgasmia, or weight gain for me and I'm unusually sensitive to meds. In fact, Prozac is allegedly the least likely of all SSRIs to cause side-effects.

I did quit it after a while, but that's because I developed an immunity to it (as is typical for me - I have treatment resistant depression) and it was causing hypnagogic hallucinations. Not that I minded them very much, but the dragons, giant spiders and flying pigs were a tad distracting whenever I tried getting back to sleep in the middle of the night

[smmath]

I took it for a while and it really helped me with my anxiety and then i eventually kept forgetting to take and just stopped altogether. at that point, even after its half life it was like i was on it without taking it. but as of side effects i didn't notice anything.

I hope it helps you like it helped me : )

--Samantha

Technically fluoxatine is weight neutral - one of the only reasons I agreed to begin taking it considering self-esteem is and was one of my concerns. I'm also diabetic, so it's technically not healthy for me to gain additional weight. I started taking fluoxateine at the beginning of a weight loss journey, so I think you can gain or lose - it's all dependent upon your lifestyle.

[Ladyzero]

Thank you everyone. I know I needed help and am only on day 10 of fluoxatine, so they haven't kicked in yet. I gather it takes 6-8 weeks to help. The weight gain is a huge issue for me and my self esteem. Naturally being petite and slim, I've gained weight through sheer inactivity over the last year, being in bed, literally every day.
Fitting into my clothes is now a struggle, and any further gain would be hugely demoralising. It's not vanity, it's just what feels right for me. I don't want to lose my libido either. I like feeling sexy !
Thank you for your replies. It's too soon for me to tell about either issue. I really hope this tablet helps me, and doesn't rob me of my libido or make me gain weight.
Thank you.

[Squaw]

Just a thought but when I took it years ago, my doc said it was prescribed to help with weight loss and smoking cessation...I felt like a million dollars while taking it, but it did make me crave carbs, so I had to curb that...Good Luck...!