What Does it Feel Like When Prozac Starts Working?

What Happens When You Start Taking Prozac?

While on Prozac, some people may experience changes immediately, while others may take a few weeks. The benefits you can see from Prozac should be in terms of what condition you are trying to treat. The negatives you would experience would be the side effects which might go away as you get more used to the medication.

Some beneficial effects people notice when they start taking Prozac include:^{1, 2, 3}

• Improved mood/more manageable depression
• Lessened frequency of panic attacks
• Relief in OCD symptoms
• Improved appetite
• Improved energy
• Decreased binge eating episodes

What Side Effects Occur in the First Week with Prozac?

Short-term negative effects are a common occurrence during the first week of taking Prozac. Typically, Prozac’s side effects go away as the body adjusts to the medication, but some people experience these side effects for the entire duration of taking the medication. How you respond to the medication is largely dependent on individual factors, so you may or may not experience them. Side effects should be tolerable and should not impact your daily life. If you have concerns, then talk to a doctor or pharmacist.

Some negative effects people notice when they start taking Prozac include:^{1, 2, 3}

• Unusual dreams
• Decreased desire or ability to have sex
• Flu-like symptoms (ie sweating, stuffy nose, etc)
• Nausea
• Loss of appetite
• Difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

*All medications, Prozac, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.

How Soon Will I Notice Prozac Working?

Prozac varies in the amount of time people need before they see benefits. A clinical research study⁴ found that over half of people on Prozac see a benefit within two weeks of starting the medication. They found that the probability of seeing a first-time benefit from Prozac within 4 and 6 weeks was 80.2% and 89.5%, respectively.

It was stated in the study that if there wasn’t a response within those 4 to 6 weeks, then there was about a 73 to 88% chance that there would be no response to Prozac at all by 8 weeks. This study measured responses with a biweekly Hamilton Depression Rating Scale, where they saw an improvement in depression symptoms in patients.

How Long Does it Take for Prozac to Work?

Usually, a person will see some benefits within the first week of taking the medication, but it will take 4 to 8 weeks to see the full effects of Prozac. During this time, the patient may experience changes in their sleeping and eating before their mood improves. If you are on Prozac, then you should take it as directed, even if it seems like it’s not working, so that you can give the medication a chance to work.⁵

How Do I Know If My Prozac Is Working?

Prozac, like other SSRIs, needs some time before you see the full benefits of being on it. No two people are alike, so you may see benefits immediately, while another person may take a few months to see the effects.

Typically, you may see full benefit around 4 to 8 weeks after starting Prozac, but sometimes a medication may not work for a person and they may need to consider other options.

Some ways to tell that Prozac may not be working for you include:⁶

• Decreased energy
• Changes appetite
• Loss of interest or pleasure in your usual activities
• Difficulty concentrating
• Worsening sleep
• Nervous energy

When To Talk To Your Doctor

Like all medications, Prozac has side effects, but these side effects should be tolerable and sometimes they go away once the body gets used to it. If the side effects impact your daily life or you do not see a benefit after several weeks of use, then speak with a doctor. It is important not to stop taking the medication without medical supervision because it could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Take medications as prescribed unless your prescriber makes any changes to them.

Questions to Ask Your Doctor About How Prozac Makes You Feel

Before starting Prozac, you should be aware of what to expect. Questions you could ask involve how to take Prozac and what to be aware of so that the treatment is effective and safe. Be sure to ask a qualified healthcare professional, such as your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist. Online psychiatry services are available to those who wish to change prescribers and want the convenience of a telehealth visit.

Questions to ask your care team about how long it may take Prozac to work:

• How long will it take for Prozac to work?
• What changes can I expect and what happens if I don’t notice any changes?
• What common side effects should I look out for?
• What happens if I miss a dose?
• How long will it take for me to adjust to taking Prozac?
• Am I at risk for more severe symptoms if I am already taking other anxiety/depression medications?
• What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects?
• Are there drugs I am taking that could have negative interactions?
• When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing side effects?
• Are there any serious side effects that I should be aware of?
• Will drinking alcohol affect the way this medication works?
• Is it safe to take Prozac and Adderall together?

In My Experience

In my experience, most people experience some benefits within a week of starting Prozac, but sometimes it does take around 4 to 8 weeks until you see the full benefits of the medication. Within the first week was typically when patients saw side effects, but they were usually tolerable and went away the longer they used the medication. Patients I have worked with have also seen a greater benefit from Prozac when they paired it with some form of therapy.

Follow the directions that your doctor gives you, and to not stop taking the medication by yourself. If you think that you are not seeing any benefit or are experiencing side effects, then you should speak with your doctor, psychiatrist, or pharmacist.