Common Side Effects of Prozac
Common side effects of Prozac include nausea, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, and sexual dysfunction. Often, these symptoms disappear after a few weeks as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if side effects persist or worsen over time, you should contact your doctor immediately to receive proper medical advice.
Prozac week by week side effects typically look like:
- Week 1: During the first week of taking Prozac, you may experience common side effects like nausea, headache, insomnia, drowsiness, dry mouth, and increased sweating.
- Week 2: During week 2 of taking Prozac, some people experience an increase in appetite or weight gain, as well as dizziness or lightheadedness. Other side effects at this stage may include agitation, restlessness, and sexual dysfunction (including decreased libido or difficulty achieving orgasm).
- Week 3: By week 3 on Prozac, many users report feeling more energetic but also might experience increased anxiety and irritability. This can lead to difficulty concentrating, which can interfere with work productivity and school performance if not managed properly.
Keep reading to learn what you can expect with each side effect.
1. Nausea
One of the most common side effects of Prozac is nausea, which can range from mild to severe. Prozac also might cause an upset stomach, abdominal pain, and even vomiting. If you experience any of these symptoms while taking Prozac, contact your doctor.
2. Insomnia
Another common side effect is insomnia or difficulty sleeping. This might be caused by increased anxiety or restlessness due to the medication’s effects on serotonin levels in the brain. If sleep issues become a problem, talk to your doctor about adjusting your dosage or trying another antidepressant medication.
3. Headache
Some people who take Prozac experience headaches as their body adjusts to the new medication in their system. Talk to your doctor if you are experiencing frequent headaches while taking Prozac. They can determine if it’s caused by Prozac or something else.
4. Sexual dysfunction
Many antidepressants, including Prozac, have been linked to sexual dysfunction. You might experience decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, delayed ejaculation, and anorgasmia (inability to reach orgasm). If this occurs while taking Prozac, speak with your doctor about other medications that could alleviate these issues without compromising effectiveness.
5. Weight gain/loss
While weight gain isn’t necessarily an obvious side effect of taking Prozac, some users report gaining weight after starting treatment, while others report weight loss. Prozac weight gain or weight loss could be due to changes in appetite caused by the drug.
“Treatment with Prozac does not typically result in weight gain, although some patients may experience temporary weight loss. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that don’t go away. You might be able to change the dose or try a different treatment.”
Do Prozac side effects go away?
Oftentimes, some side effects improve within a few weeks. However, sometimes Prozac can cause side effects that don’t go away. If you are wondering how long it takes Prozac to work without side effects, talk to your doctor. Your doctor will help determine if it’s still the right medication for you.
