Prozac

Premature Ejaculation, Cataplexy, Bulimia Nervosa + 11 more
Treatment
3 FDA approvals
0 Active Studies for Prozac

What is Prozac

FluoxetineThe Generic name of this drug
Treatment SummaryFluoxetine is an antidepressant medication that was approved by the FDA in 1987. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and is used to treat depression. It has since been used to treat other mental health conditions as well.
Prozacis the brand name
image of different drug pills on a surface
Prozac Overview & Background
Brand Name
Generic Name
First FDA Approval
How many FDA approvals?
Prozac
Fluoxetine
1987
490

Approved as Treatment by the FDA

Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, is approved by the FDA for 3 uses such as Bipolar Disorder and Depression .
Bipolar Disorder
Used to treat Bipolar 1 Disorder in combination with Olanzapine
Depression
Used to treat Depression in combination with Olanzapine
Unipolar Depression
Used to treat Major depressive disorder, recurrent episode in combination with Olanzapine

Effectiveness

How Prozac Affects PatientsFluoxetine works by keeping serotonin levels high in certain parts of the brain. It has a milder effect on other receptors like dopamine, adrenaline, and histamine compared to other types of antidepressants, which makes it have fewer side effects.
How Prozac works in the bodyThe monoaminergic hypothesis of depression suggests that low levels of serotonin are linked to depression. Fluoxetine is a drug designed to help treat this type of depression. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain. It does this by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, which essentially traps it in the brain. Fluoxetine has a strong affinity for serotonin, but only a weak affinity for noradrenaline and no affinity for dopamine. Additionally, it interacts with the 5-HT2C receptor, which increases noradrenaline and dopamine levels in the prefrontal cortex.

When to interrupt dosage

The recommended dosage of Prozac is contingent upon the diagnosed condition, such as Myoclonus, Bipolar Disorder and Unipolar Depression. The dosage amount is dependent upon the administration technique (e.g. Tablet, coated or Oral) detailed in the table below.
Condition
Dosage
Administration
Premature Ejaculation
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Cataplexy
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Bulimia Nervosa
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Anorexia Nervosa
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Panic Disorder
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Alcoholism
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Unipolar Depression
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
moderate to severe symptoms
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Depression
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Myoclonus
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Bipolar Disorder
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
maintenance therapy
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral
Depression
, 90.0 mg, 40.0 mg, 20.0 mg, 10.0 mg, 25.0 mg, 50.0 mg, 60.0 mg, 20.0 mg/mL, 15.0 mg
, Capsule, delayed release, Capsule, delayed release - Oral, Oral, Capsule, Capsule - Oral, Tablet, film coated, Tablet, film coated - Oral, Tablet, Tablet - Oral, Capsule, delayed release pellets, Capsule, delayed release pellets - Oral, Kit, Solution, Solution - Oral, Liquid, Liquid - Oral, Tablet, coated, Tablet, coated - Oral

Warnings

Prozac Contraindications
Condition
Risk Level
Notes
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
Pulse Frequency
Do Not Combine
There are 20 known major drug interactions with Prozac.
Common Prozac Drug Interactions
Drug Name
Risk Level
Description
Abemaciclib
Major
The metabolism of Abemaciclib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Acalabrutinib
Major
The metabolism of Acalabrutinib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Alectinib
Major
The metabolism of Alectinib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Aminophylline
Major
The metabolism of Aminophylline can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Axitinib
Major
The metabolism of Axitinib can be decreased when combined with Fluoxetine.
Prozac Toxicity & Overdose RiskMost cases of fluoxetine overdose have mild, short-term side effects such as sleepiness, trembling, fast heart rate, nausea, and vomiting. However, in rare cases, serious symptoms may occur. For example, one patient took 1400mg of fluoxetine in a suicide attempt and had a seizure 3 hours later. Another patient took 1.2g of fluoxetine and experienced seizures, symptoms related to serotonin syndrome, and muscle breakdown.
image of a doctor in a lab doing drug, clinical research

Prozac Novel Uses: Which Conditions Have a Clinical Trial Featuring Prozac?

881 active clinical trials are being conducted to evaluate the efficacy of Prozac in treating Disease, Anorexia Nervosa and as a maintenance therapy.
Condition
Clinical Trials
Trial Phases
Depression
190 Actively Recruiting
Phase 2, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 1, Early Phase 1, Phase 3
Unipolar Depression
48 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 4, Early Phase 1, Phase 3, Phase 1, Phase 2
Bulimia Nervosa
11 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Early Phase 1
Alcoholism
6 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 2, Phase 3
Anorexia Nervosa
0 Actively Recruiting
moderate to severe symptoms
0 Actively Recruiting
Bipolar Disorder
0 Actively Recruiting
Depression
333 Actively Recruiting
Phase 1, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Not Applicable, Phase 4, Phase 3
Panic Disorder
0 Actively Recruiting
Myoclonus
1 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
18 Actively Recruiting
Not Applicable, Phase 3, Phase 2, Early Phase 1, Phase 1
maintenance therapy
0 Actively Recruiting
Cataplexy
0 Actively Recruiting
Premature Ejaculation
0 Actively Recruiting

Prozac Reviews: What are patients saying about Prozac?

5Patient Review
6/7/2022
Prozac for Depression
Prozac was very effective at treating my symptoms, but I experienced some significant weight gain as a result. L-Tryptophan was much more holistic in its approach and helped me feel better overall.
5Patient Review
8/30/2022
Prozac for Repeated Episodes of Anxiety
This medication has only been a part of my life for a short time, but it's already made such a big difference. I can think more clearly, sleep through the night, and feel more in control of my body and mind. The best part is that other people are noticing the changes too. My husband told me the other day that he hasn't seen me smile in years and this medicine helped him get his wife back. I'm so grateful for this treatment; it feels like I've gotten my life back.
4.7Patient Review
2/9/2022
Prozac for Major Depressive Disorder
Being on Prozac has definitely helped me get back to functioning like a normal person again. I'm so grateful for this medication!
4.7Patient Review
4/20/2022
Prozac for Depression
I was pretty dubious about this treatment at first, especially because it took a few weeks to see any effects. But I'm so glad I stuck with it! After increasing my dosage to 20mg, I've seen significant changes for the better in my mood and overall outlook on life.
4.3Patient Review
11/7/2022
Prozac for Premenstrual Disorder with a State of Unhappiness
I've tried a lot of different medications for my PMDD, and this is the only one that's really given me any relief. And it comes with very few side effects, if any.
4Patient Review
5/6/2022
Prozac for Bipolar Depression
Prozac has been a great addition to my bipolar depression medication. I've been on a low dose because Prozac can possibly trigger mania, but it really helps with my winter depression. As long as I monitor my moods, I haven't had any issues.
3.3Patient Review
5/18/2022
Prozac for Depression
I first tried prozac when I was 22. It worked well for a while, but then I stopped taking it. I went back on it when I was 40 and experienced more than 10 panic attacks per day. I thought it was the hospital environment that was causing the panic attacks, but after being discharged, the panic attacks continued. So, I got a new doctor who took me off the prozac immediately. Gradually, the panic attacks stopped.
3Patient Review
3/16/2022
Prozac for Depression
The medication was effective in that it helped me to relax; however, it did so to an extreme. I found myself unable to get upset about things that would normally bother me, and others commented that I seemed like a "robot" or "zombie." I stopped taking the medication after a month because I felt like it was numbing my emotions too much.
2.7Patient Review
11/9/2022
Prozac for Depression
Prozac completely disconnected me from my body and reality. It was like being hypnotized and in a trance, akin to the "sunken place" scene in Get Out. I strongly advise against this medication unless you have severe PTSD and no responsibilities.
2.3Patient Review
5/1/2022
Prozac for Posttraumatic Stress Syndrome
I have panic disorder and starting this medication was really tough because of the intense side effects. I tried different doses (10mg, 20mg, 30mg, 40mg) but none of them felt worth it to me. Yes, the panic stopped, but now I feel lifeless and like I can't enjoy intimacy anymore.
2Patient Review
8/11/2022
Prozac for Depression
Prozac did nothing to alleviate my depression and actually made me more irritable. Once I stopped taking it, the withdrawals were terrible despite my doctor telling me there would be none.
1.7Patient Review
4/2/2022
Prozac for Depression
My daughter was prescribed Prozac a week and a half ago, but it made her feel worse. So much so that she attempted suicide this past weekend. We've now experienced the negative effects of Prozac firsthand.
1.7Patient Review
9/24/2022
Prozac for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
I tried this drug for my sexual intrusive thoughts, as prescribed by my doctor, but saw zero improvement even after increasing the dosage. If anything, my anxiety and thoughts got worse while taking it. I'm now on a different medication (anafranil) and would not recommend this drug to anyone.
image of drug pills surrounding a glass of water symbolizing drug consumption

Patient Q&A Section about prozac

These questions and answers are submitted by anonymous patients, and have not been verified by our internal team.

What does Prozac do for a person?

"Fluoxetine, commonly known by the brand name Prozac, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It is generally considered safe and effective for treating depression, anxiety, OCD, and bulimia. However, some people may experience increased suicidal thoughts."

Answered by AI

What are the side effects of taking Prozac?

"You may experience nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, tiredness, sweating, or yawning while taking this medication. Keep in mind that your doctor prescribed this medication because they believe the benefits of it are greater than the risks of any potential side effects."

Answered by AI

How will Prozac make you feel?

"As Prozac begins to work, you may notice an increase in your energy levels. In some people, it may cause symptoms of mania, which include high energy levels, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and irritability."

Answered by AI

Is Prozac a happy pill?

"The original "happy pill” Prozac was approved for use in 1987. It was the first drug prescribed and marketed on a large scale for the treatment of depression. The use of Prozac is very common, but it is not without its risks."

Answered by AI

How does Prozac make you feel?

"As Prozac begins to take effect, you may notice an increase in your energy levels. In some cases, it may cause symptoms of mania in some people taking this medication. Symptoms of mania include high energy levels, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and irritability."

Answered by AI

What is a major side effect of Prozac?

"The following effects may occur: nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, tiredness, sweating, or yawning. If you experience any of these effects for an extended period of time, or if they worsen, tell your doctor."

Answered by AI