Pros
Low impact of missed doses
Clinically effective for depression and anxiety
One of the first SSRIs, widely used for decades
Prozac, an antidepressant medication, belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) class. Like other SSRIs, Prozac affects the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) communicating between brain cells.
Prozac is used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), anxiety, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa. Prozac is available only by prescription. It is available in a generic formulation and under different brand names, including fluoxetine.
Prozac may be prescribed as a capsule. It’s always important to follow the specific instructions on your prescription, as they can vary based on the formulation and dosage prescribed.
If you're prescribed Prozac, complete the entire selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor course unless your doctor specifically tells you to stop. If you don’t finish your prescription, the antidepressant medication may not fully treat your mental health condition.
There are several FDA-approved uses for Prozac, but your healthcare provider may also prescribe it off-label to treat other medical conditions.
Your PlushCare doctor may prescribe Prozac for any of the following reasons, or other reasons not listed here. If you have questions about why a medication is prescribed, ask your online doctor or pharmacist.
Prozac is FDA-approved to for the acute and maintenance treatment of major depressive disorder in adult and pediatric patients over the age of 8. It can also help treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Prozac may be prescribed with olanzapine to treat depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder or treatment-resistant depression.
Prozac is FDA-approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adult and pediatric patients over the age of 7.
Prozac is FDA-approved to treat binge-eating and purging behaviors in adults with moderate to severe bulimia nervosa.
Prozac is FDA-approved to treat panic disorder, with and without agoraphobia, in adult patients. Prozac helps decrease the frequency of panic attacks and anxiety symptoms.
Prozac may also be prescribed for other anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) and post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Low impact of missed doses
Clinically effective for depression and anxiety
One of the first SSRIs, widely used for decades
Can interact with many other medications
Stopping suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms
Can cause upset stomach, sleep problems, and sexual side effects
The side effects associated with taking Prozac are typically mild. Most Prozac side effects are associated with gastrointestinal discomfort.
Prozac has some common side effects. They may include:
Sleeping problems and abnormal dreams
Headache, dizziness, and drowsiness
Yawning and tiredness
Upset stomach, loss of appetite, and diarrhea
Decreased sex drive
Other side effects, which are less common but might be more severe, could include:
Blurred vision, tunnel vision, or eye pain
Fast or pounding heartbeats
Serotonin syndrome
You should call your doctor if you notice any adverse effects, or if you develop any other new or worsening symptoms. The use of Prozac in young children under age 7 is not advised because it can cause suicidal thoughts and unusual tiredness.
Your pharmacist will provide you with instructions on how to take your Prozac prescription. Be sure to read your prescription label and follow the instructions. Call your doctor or pharmacy if you have any questions.
Prozac can come in different doses, so be sure to follow the specific instructions on your prescription. The initial dose of Prozac typically ranges from 10 mg to 20 mg once daily.
It may take up to four weeks before your mental health improves. Keep using Prozac as prescribed and tell your doctor if your symptoms do not improve.
Prozac has 654 drug interactions. Don’t change what you are taking without checking with your doctor or pharmacist. That includes other medications or supplements, as well as over-the-counter drugs.
Possible drug interactions with Prozac include:
Other antidepressants
St. John's Wort
Migraine headache medication
ADHD and narcolepsy medication
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
Alcohol can increase adverse reactions to Prozac, including drowsiness, tiredness, and trouble concentrating. Talk to your doctor before drinking alcohol while taking fluoxetine.
If your healthcare provider prefers to put you on another treatment altogether, they may suggest another selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor or antidepressant medication in another drug class. Here are some common doctor-recommended alternatives based on your health issue:
Depending on your pharmacy, Prozac costs around $556 for thirty 20 mg capsules without insurance. Fortunately, generic brands, such as fluoxetine, offer an affordable alternative.
To refill your Prozac prescription, book a virtual appointment with one of our top rated board-certified doctors. After reviewing your symptoms, your doctor can send an electronic prescription to your local pharmacy.
To make sure if Prozac is safe for you, tell your doctor if you have:
Liver disease
Urination problems
Diabetes
Narrow-angle glaucoma
Seizures or epilepsy
Bipolar disorder (manic depression)
If you miss a dose of Prozac, take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it's almost time for your next dose. Avoid taking two doses to make up for a missed dose.
For depression, Prozac may start to improve symptoms within two weeks. For most people, Prozac takes 4–6 weeks to take full effect.
It's normal to experience side effects, such as nausea, drowsiness, and increased anxiety, during the first week of taking fluoxetine. These side effects should improve after a few weeks.
If you've taken too much Prozac, seek emergency medical attention or contact your local poison control center.
Step 1
Book a same day appointment from anywhere.
Step 2
Visit with a doctor on your smartphone or computer.
Step 3
We can send prescriptions to any local pharmacy.
How pricing works
To get a new or refill on your Prozac prescription, join our monthly membership and get discounted visits.
$16.99/month
First month free
Copay
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Often the same as an office visit. Most patients with in-network insurance pay $30 or less!
We accept these insurance plans and many more:
$16.99/month
First month free
$129
Same-day appointments 7 days a week
Unlimited messages with your Care Team
Prescription discount card to save up to 80%
Exclusive discounts on lab tests
Free memberships for your family
Cancel anytime
Initial visits are $129.
If we're unable to treat you, we'll provide a full refund.
PlushCare is dedicated to providing you with accurate and trustworthy health information.
Food and Drug Administration. Prozac prescription label. Accessed on September 26, 2022. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2011/018936s091lbl.pdf
Mayo Clinic. Antidepressants: Selecting one that's right for you. Accessed on September 26, 2022. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/depression/in-depth/antidepressants/art-20046273#:~:text=Selective%20serotonin%20reuptake%20inhibitors%20(SSRIs).&text=SSRIs%20include%20fluoxetine%20(Prozac)%2C,)%20and%20escitalopram%20(Lexapro)
MedlinePlus. Fluoxetine. Accessed on September 26, 2022. https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html
PlushCare content is reviewed by MDs, PhDs, NPs, nutritionists, and other healthcare professionals. Learn more about our editorial standards and meet the medical team. The PlushCare site or any linked materials are not intended and should not be construed as medical advice, nor is the information a substitute for professional medical expertise or treatment.