:: What is Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine, the generic formulation of Prozac is a FDA-approved oral psychotropic medication, the first in the class of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). Fluoxetine is a generic formulation made by various US pharmaceutical companies. See What does Fluoxetine look like?  for manufacturer information.
Fluoxetine is used for the treatment of:
1. major depressive disorder in adults and children.
2. obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children.
3. moderate to severe bulimia nervosa in adults.
4. panic disorder in adults.
* Be sure to take a look at our comprehensive Depression & Anxiety FAQ to learn more about depression, anxiety disorders, other mood disorders and for a
comparison of the advantages and disadvantages of the commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications .
You can buy Fluoxetine by going to our Fluoxetine price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Fluoxetine prices, no prior prescription required.
If it's your first time ordering Fluoxetine online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: Who should take Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine should be used by:
- Adults and pediatric patients 8 to 18 years old diagnosed with depression.
- Adults and pediatric patients 7 to 18 years old diagnosed with obsessive
compulsive disorder (OCD).
- Adults diagnosed with moderate to severe bulimia nervosa.
- Adults diagnosed with panic disorder.
If you'd like to learn more about these and other mood conditions, they are discussed in detail in our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety .
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:: Who should not take Fluoxetine?
You should not take Fluoxetine if you:
- Are currently taking or have recently taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). Don't take MAOIs for at least 5 weeks after stopping Fluoxetine.
- Are currently taking Mellaril (thioridazine). Don’t take Thioridazine for at least 5 weeks after stopping Fluoxetine.
- Are allergic to Fluoxetine (Prozac or Sarafem).
It is important to let your doctor know about any prescription or over-the-counter medications you are taking, and if you have or have had other medical conditions especially liver problems, seizure disorder, diabetes or bipolar disorder (manic or psychotic episodes).
Fluoxetine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Fluoxetine during the third trimester have had serious complications. Fluoxetine is secreted in human milk, which can lead to the potential for serious adverse reactions in nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Fluoxetine.
Fluoxetine should be used with caution in geriatric patients and patients with severe liver disease. If you have liver problems, tell your doctor before taking Fluoxetine. Depending on your age and the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Only your healthcare provider can tell you for sure if you should or not take Fluoxetine. Inform your healthcare provider, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you are taking, prescription or over-the-counter, and about any medical conditions you have or have had, including allergies.
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:: What are depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive
disorder (OCD) and bulimia nervosa?
This question requires its own frequently asked questions page.
Please see our extensive Depression and Anxiety FAQ page for information describing each of the following conditions, its causes, symptoms and treatment options:
- Depression .
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) .
- Anxiety disorders:
generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) ,
panic disorder ,
social anxiety disorder ,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) , and
posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) .
- Eating disorder: bulimia nervosa .
There, you will also find clear summary tables listing:
- The different classes of commonly prescribed antidepressant and anti-
anxiety medications
- The various conditions each of the medications is used for
- A comparison of their advantages and disadvantages
- A list of simple things you can do to help improve the symptoms of your
depression and anxiety
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:: How does Fluoxetine work?
Depression and other psychiatric disorders are believed to be caused by an imbalance of the brain’s neurotransmitters, the chemicals that allow nerve cells to communicate. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter.
Fluoxetine is an inhibitor of the reuptake of serotonin, leading to increased levels of serotonin in the brain. Although it isn't known exactly how Fluoxetine works to help patients with psychiatric disorders, it is believed that its effects are a result of its action on serotonin.
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:: How well does Fluoxetine work?
Major Depressive Disorder:
Five and six week clinical studies have shown that Fluoxetine is an effective treatment for major depressive disorder. In these studies, patients receiving Fluoxetine showed significant improvement of the Depressive Rating Scale used to measure depression symptoms compared to sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 12 weeks of Fluoxetine therapy who continued taking Fluoxetine had significantly lower depression relapse rates over 38 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Two 13-week clinical studies have shown that Fluoxetine is an effective treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder. In both studies, patients receiving Fluoxetine showed significant improvement of the Obsessive Compulsive Scale used to measure obsessive-compulsive symptoms compared to sugar pill.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD):
Two 8-week and one 16-week clinical studies have shown that Fluoxetine is an effective treatment for bulimia nervosa. In these studies, patients receiving Fluoxetine 60mg showed significant reduction in the number of binge-eating and vomiting episodes per week compared to sugar pill. Another study showed that patients who had responded to 8 weeks of Fluoxetine therapy who continued taking Fluoxetine had significantly longer time to relapse over 52 weeks compared to those receiving sugar pill.
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:: How safe is Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine (Prozac) has been used as an antidepressant since 1987. More than 54 million people worldwide have used Prozac. Its safety and efficacy profile has been maintained by real-world experience as well as clinical trials of over 11,000 patients.
Fluoxetine has been approved by the FDA to successfully and safely treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and bulimia nervosa. However, make sure to read about Who should not take Fluoxetine? .
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:: What is the difference between Fluoxetine and other
antidepressants?
Studies comparing the effectiveness of various antidepressants such as Fluoxetine (generic Prozac) have shown that, when properly dosed, they are equally effective in treating depression and other disorders. Therefore medications like Fluoxetine should be chosen based on different side effects profiles and different drug or disease interactions.
See What are the advantages and disadvantages of commonly prescribed antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications? for a table comparing the different drugs and their classes,
in our Depression and Anxiety FAQ .
Fluoxetine and other SSRIs (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) share similar side effect and drug interaction profiles, but differ in the type of conditions they are approved to treat.
See What conditions do various antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications treat? in our Depression and Anxiety FAQs
It's important to keep in mind that not everyone responds the same to individual drugs. A different drug in the same or different class may work for you when the first did not. It may take more than one try to find the right medication for you.
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:: What is Sarafem?
Sarafem is the brand name of Fluoxetine 10mg and 20mg capsules marketed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) . They contain the same active ingredient as Prozac (Fluoxetine) 10mg and 20mg capsules.
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:: What does Fluoxetine look like?
Fluoxetine is available as brand and generic, and is produced by many different companies. Some of the most common Fluoxetine pills for the US market are shown here. Your Fluoxetine pills may look different, consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions.
Generic Fluoxetine
Teva Pharmaceuticals based in North Wales, Pennsylvania, USA, manufacture:
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 10 mg tablets that are oval, blue, scored, with the imprint 7188 on one side and 9 3 on the scored side.
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 10 mg capsules that are blue, with 93 42 printed in black on both cap and body.
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 20 mg capsules that have a blue cap and a white body, with 93 43 printed in black on both cap and body.
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 40 mg capsules that have a blue cap and a red body, with 93 7198 printed in black on both cap and body.
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Sandoz Pharmaceuticals based in Princeton New Jersey, USA, manufacture Fluoxetine hydrochloride 10 mg capsules that are white and opaque, with GG 575 and a stripe printed in green on both the cap and body.
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Barr Laboratories based in Pomona, New York, USA, manufacture:
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 10 mg capsules that have a blue cap and a white body, with barr 10mg printed in black on the cap, and 876 printed in black on the body.
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 20 mg capsules that have a blue cap and a white body, with barr 20mg printed in black on the cap, and 877 printed in black on the body.
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Par Pharmaceuticals based in Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, USA, manufacture:
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 10 mg tablets that are oval, white, scored, with the imprint G on one side and FL 10 on the scored side.
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 20 mg tablets that are oval, white, scored, with the imprint G on one side and FL 20 on the scored side.
- Fluoxetine hydrochloride 40 mg capsules that have a blue cap and a white body, with FLUOXETINE 40mg printed in black on the cap, and R 149 printed in black on the body.
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Brand Fluoxetine: Prozac
Brand Fluoxetine, Prozac, is manufactured by Eli Lilly based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, for Dista Products Company in the following formulations:
- Prozac 10 mg Pulvules (trademark name for their capsules) are opaque green, with DISTA 3104 printed in black on the cap, and PROZAC 10mg printed in black on the body.
- Prozac 20 mg Pulvules have an opaque green cap and an off-white body, with DISTA 3105 printed in black on the cap, and PROZAC 20mg printed in black on the body.
- Prozac 40 mg Pulvules have an opaque green cap and an opaque orange body, with DISTA 3107 printed in black on the cap, and PROZAC 40mg printed in black on the body.
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Eli Lilly based in Indianapolis, Indiana, USA, also manufactures brand Fluoxetine, Prozac, in the following formulations:
- Prozac 10 mg tablets are oval, green, scored, with the imprint PROZAC 10 on one side and nothing on the scored side.
- Prozac 90mg weekly capsules have an opaque green cap, and a clear body, with Lilly printed in black on the cap, and 3004 90mg printed in black on the body. You can see the white pellets through the clear body.
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Brand Fluoxetine: Sarafem
Brand Fluoxetine, Sarafem, available from Warner Chilcott Laboratories based in Rockaway, New Jersey, USA, comes in the following formulations:
- Sarafem 10 mg Pulvules (trademark name for their capsules) are opaque lavender, with Lilly 3210 printed in black on the cap, and 10mg printed in black on the body.
- Sarafem 20 mg Pulvules have an opaque lavender cap and a pink body, with Lilly 3220 printed in black on the cap, and 20mg printed in black on the body.
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Fluoxetine is also available as a 20mg/5mL solution.
Depending on the manufacturer, your tablets/capsules may look different.
Please be sure to consult your physician or pharmacist if you have any questions.
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:: How do I take Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine comes in 10mg and 20mg tablets, and in 10mg, 20mg, and 40mg capsules.
Fluoxetine can be taken with or without food. As Fluoxetine may cause sleeplessness it is recommended that it be taken in the morning.
You should take Fluoxetine as directed by your doctor. Do not take more medication than prescribed.
Major Depressive Disorder and Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets or Capsules/Pulvules) – Initial dose is 20mg daily in the morning. Dose may be increased above 20mg per day, taken either once each morning or twice a day in the morning and at noon if sufficient response is not seen after several weeks. Daily dose should not be greater than 80mg per day.
Bulimia Nervosa
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets or Capsules/Pulvules) – 60mg daily in the morning. This dose can be reached gradually over several days. Daily doses above 60mg have not been studied.
Panic Disorder
- Usual Adult Dose:
Oral dosage form (Tablets or Capsules/Pulvules) – Initial dose is 10mg daily in the morning, then increased to 20mg per day each morning after one week. Dose may be increased above 20mg per day, if sufficient response is not seen after several weeks. Daily doses above 60mg have not been studied.
- Adults over age 60 and Patients with liver disease:
Consult your physician. A reduced dose of Fluoxetine may be necessary.
* It usually takes several weeks for Fluoxetine to start working. Some symptoms may improve during the first couple weeks, but the medication's full effects may not be felt until 4 or more weeks. Once you feel better, keep taking Fluoxetine as directed by your doctor. Do not change your dose or stop taking it without consulting your doctor.
Your doctor may have a plan that varies from above, always follow your doctor’s recommendations.
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:: What should I do if I miss a dose of Fluoxetine?
If you miss a dose of Fluoxetine, take it as soon as you remember it. If it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do NOT double the dose to make up for a missed dose. Do not take more tablets than your doctor prescribed.
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:: How long should I continue to use Fluoxetine?
The initial treatment of depression is 6 to 8 weeks to reduce and eliminate the symptoms. After the initial treatment, medical guidelines recommend that you continue antidepressant treatment for another 4 to 9 months. This is important because continuing Fluoxetine can lower your risk of relapse (getting depressed again). Therapy beyond this period may be recommended if you have a history of multiple recurrent depressive episodes. Your doctor will let you know how long you should continue therapy; make sure to follow your doctor's instructions.
If you are taking Fluoxetine to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa or panic disorders, and you responded to initial therapy, your doctor will probably continue Fluoxetine for an extended period of time as long as you experience the benefits of Fluoxetine. Your doctor may adjust your dose and periodically evaluate your continued need for treatment.
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:: Why do I have to stop taking Fluoxetine gradually?
Fluoxetine and other SSRIs and SNRIs (serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) have been reported to cause side effects when stopped suddenly. Some of these side effects can include sad mood, irritability, sensory disturbances (electric shock sensations), agitation, dizziness, anxiety, confusion, headache and insomnia. When they occur, these effects usually go away on their own, but your doctor may recommend a gradual lowering of your Fluoxetine dose to reduce the chance of experiencing these side effects.
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:: How should I store Fluoxetine?
Keep Fluoxetine and all medications out of children's reach.
Store Fluoxetine at room temperature in a tight container. Store away from moisture, heat and direct light. Do not keep medicine past the expiration date, dispose of properly.
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:: What are the possible side effects of Fluoxetine?
The most common side effects are nausea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, weakness, shakiness, nervousness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, decreased sex drive, impotence and yawning. These side effects are usually mild and will often go away after a few weeks. If you have nausea, take Fluoxetine with food.
Stop taking Fluoxetine and contact your doctor immediately if you have signs of an allergic reaction such as a rash or hives.
There is a rare chance that people taking Fluoxetine will have a seizure. If you experience a seizure while taking Fluoxetine, stop taking the pills and contact your doctor immediately.
Side effects other than those listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effects that seem unusual or that are especially bothersome.
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:: Will I gain weight while taking Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine does not usually cause weight gain, but it can cause weight loss. Although as many as 11% of patients in studies reported decreased appetite, weight loss was seen in 1.4% of patients taking Fluoxetine compared to 0.5% of patients on sugar pill.
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:: Will Fluoxetine affect my sex drive?
Changes in sexual desire, sexual performance, and sexual satisfaction are commonly experienced when a depressive episode occurs. SSRIs like Fluoxetine may also lead to sexual side effects.
It's difficult to estimate how frequently these side effects occur because patients and physicians don't always discuss them. In clinical trials, a low percentage of patients taking Fluoxetine have reported sexual side effects such as delayed ejaculation, impotence and decreased libido in men, and decreased libido and anorgasmia in women.
If you have questions about sexual dysfunction, speak with your healthcare professional.
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:: What other precautions should I take when taking Fluoxetine?
In addition to the above possible side effects of Fluoxetine, please be aware of the following as they apply to you.
Driving and Hazardous Work:
Fluoxetine may impair your thinking or affect your coordination. Use caution before driving a car or engaging in hazardous work until you know how the medicine affects you.
Consumption of Alcohol:
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Fluoxetine.
Medication Interactions:
Before taking Fluoxetine, inform your doctor about all the medicines you use and do not start taking any prescription or over-the-counter medications without asking your doctor first. See What are the possible drug interactions of Fluoxetine?
Pregnancy and Breast Feeding:
Fluoxetine should be used during pregnancy only if clearly needed. Babies born to mothers taking SSRIs such as Fluoxetine during the third trimester have had serious complications. Fluoxetine is secreted in human milk, which can lead to potential risk to nursing infants. Women should notify their doctor if they become pregnant or intend to become pregnant while taking Fluoxetine.
Sensitivity to Sunlight:
SSRIs like Fluoxetine may increase sensitivity to sunlight. Use sunscreen and avoid extended exposure to sunlight until you know how Fluoxetine affects you.
Liver Disease:
The side effects may be more likely due to potential for higher blood levels of Fluoxetine. Depending on the severity of your condition, your doctor may need to adjust your dosage.
Diabetes:
Fluoxetine may affect blood sugar levels. Your doctor may adjust your dose of insulin and/or oral hypoglycemic medicine. Monitor your blood sugar levels closely and report any concerns to you physician.
Mood Changes:
You and your family should watch out for sudden or severe changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, severely restless, hyperactive, overly excited, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, not being able to sleep, worsening depression or thoughts of suicide. These symptoms should be reported to your doctor immediately.
Do NOT share your Fluoxetine prescription with others; this can be a very dangerous practice.
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:: What are the possible drug interactions of Fluoxetine?
Inform your doctor, during either a physical or online consultation, about all the medicines you use, (prescription and nonprescription). Certain medicines should never be used together. Some medicines may be used together even if an interaction might occur. In these cases, your doctor may change the dose, monitor the effects or take other precautions.
When you are taking Fluoxetine, it is especially important that you inform your doctor if you are taking any of the following:
- Monoamine Oxidase (MAO) inhibitors: Furoxone (furazolidone), Nardil (phenelzine), Eldepryl (selegiline), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Matulane (procarbazine), Parnate (tranylcypromine)- there should be at least 14 days between stopping a MAO inhibitor and starting Fluoxetine and at least 5 weeks between stopping Fluoxetine and starting a MAOI.
- Mellaril (thioridazine): do not take with fluoxetine; there should be at least 5 weeks between stopping Fluoxetine and starting thioridazine.
- Tricyclic antidepressants such Elavil (amitriptyline), Anafranil (clomipramine), Asendin (amoxapine), Sinequan (doxepin), Aventyl/Pamelor (nortriptyline), Surmontil (trimipramine), Norpramin (desipramine), Tofranil (imipramine) and Vivactil (protriptyline) - Fluoxetine may increase these medications’ potency.
- Lithium, Zyvox (linezolid), Ultram/Ultracet (tramadol), Meridia (sibutramine), Reglan (metoclopramide), St John’s Wort - adverse reaction may occur.
- Oral hypoglycemics or insulin - Fluoxetine may affect blood sugar levels.
- Antipsychotics (Haldol- haloperidol, Risperdal- risperidone, Clozaril- clozapine), Benzodiazapines (Valium- diazepam, Xanax- alprazolam) and others, Anti-convulsants (Dilantin- phenytoin, Tegretol- carbamazepine) - Fluoxetine may increase these medications’ potency.
- Coumadin (warfarin) - coagulation changes may occur.
- Tryptophan and Triptans such as Imitrex (sumatriptan), Relapax (eletriptan), Frova (frovatriptan), Zomig (zolmitriptan), Amerge (naratriptan), Maxalt (rizatriptan) or Axert (almotriptan)- adverse reaction may occur.
- Other SSRIs such as: Celexa (citalopram), Luvox (fluvoxamine), Zoloft (sertraline), Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram) - adverse reaction may occur.
- Aspirin and NSAIDs such as Motrin/Advil (ibuprophen), Aleve (naproxen), and others - increased risk of stomach bleeding.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Fluoxetine.
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:: Can I drink alcohol while taking Fluoxetine?
It is recommended that you avoid drinking alcoholic beverages while taking Fluoxetine. Studies have shown that Fluoxetine does not increase the effects of alcohol, but taking Fluoxetine with alcohol is not advised.
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:: Can I become dependent on Fluoxetine?
While Fluoxetine has not been specifically studied for its potential for dependence, extensive studies of Fluoxetine’s safety and effectiveness have not shown that it is addictive or habit-forming.
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:: What are the symptoms of a possible overdose of Fluoxetine?
Symptoms of overdose may include severe nausea and vomiting, extreme sleepiness, fast heartbeat and seizures.
If overdose is suspected, call your doctor, emergency medical services (EMS) 911, or the poison control center immediately.
National Poison Control Center Telephone Number: 800-222-1222
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:: Is Fluoxetine available over the counter?
No. Fluoxetine is currently available by prescription only.
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:: How can I get an Fluoxetine prescription online?
Go to our Fluoxetine price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Fluoxetine prices, no prior prescription required.
Our featured US-based online pharmacies work with US-licensed doctors and pharmacists to provide you with your prescriptions through an online consultation.
If this is your first time ordering Fluoxetine online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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:: How much does Fluoxetine cost?
Some companies charge less per pill but charge you separately for their consultation and pharmacy dispensing fees. Others include these fees into their final pricing.
RxPriceCheck's featured pharmacies give you a free online medical consultation with your order. Be sure to compare Fluoxetine prices before buying.
Usually, the more pills you buy, the cheaper the price per pill.
See our Fluoxetine price comparison page where you can select your preferred online US pharmacy with the lowest Fluoxetine prices, no prior prescription required.
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:: Is it safe to order Fluoxetine or other drugs from non-US
pharmacies?
Purchasing Fluoxetine from non-US pharmacies can be potentially dangerous. The FDA (Food and Drug Administration) does not recommend ordering medications online from pharmacies located outside the US, because it cannot guarantee the origin, quality or safety of the medication, or regulate the manufacturers. Therefore, it may be filled with other ingredients that may harm you, or it may be fake, sold as Fluoxetine, but not contain the active ingredient.
RxPriceCheck.com only affiliates with online US pharmacies that work with US licensed physicians and pharmacists, and sell brand Fluoxetine approved by the FDA and manufactured by Forest Pharmaceuticals. You can therefore choose from our list of online pharmacies with confidence.
See our Fluoxetine price comparison page to choose among online US pharmacies with the lowest Fluoxetine prices, no prior prescription required.
Also see our extensive Guide to Depression and Anxiety to learn more about mood disorders, and to see our comparison of Fluoxetine to other antidepressants.
If this is your first time ordering Fluoxetine online, see our beginner’s guide , where the process of obtaining a prescription online and ordering your medication is explained.
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* The information contained in RxPriceCheck.com is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Consult your healthcare provider regarding your medical condition. All product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective holders. View our terms of use .
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