Fluoxetine
Pronunciation: floo-OX-uh-teen.
- Generic name
- fluoxetine
- Brand names
- Prodep, Selfemra, Zactin, Fluoxetin, Olena, Fluoxetine
- Drug class
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant
Availability and supply rules vary by country
Trade names by country: United States · Canada
Australia: · Full directory
What fluoxetine is and how it works
Uses, formulations, monitoring, and supply rules can differ by patient, product, and country. Follow the exact local product information and professional advice.
Mechanism of action: how fluoxetine works
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It blocks the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) in the central nervous system, increasing serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft. This enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission is believed to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related disorders. (3)
What fluoxetine is used for
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) (3)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (3)
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia Nervosa (3)
Panic Disorder
Panic Disorder (3)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) (3)
Before taking fluoxetine
Do not take / not appropriate for
- Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to fluoxetine, concurrent use with MAOIs, pimozide, or thioridazine. (Contraindication) (3)
Tell your clinician about
(3)How to take fluoxetine
- General Instructions: Take Prozac exactly as prescribed by your doctor. It is usually taken once daily, with or without food. Try to take it at the same time each day.. Adult Dosing: For depression and OCD: Start with 20 mg once daily, which may be increased gradually up to a maximum of 80 mg per day. For bulimia nervosa: 60 mg once daily. For panic disorder: Start with 10 mg once daily, increasing to 20 mg after one week.. Pediatric Dosing: For children and adolescents (8 years and older) with depression or OCD: Start with 10 mg once daily, increasing to 20 mg after one to two weeks if tolerated. Maximum dose is typically 60 mg daily.. Administration: Swallow capsules or tablets whole with water. The oral solution can be measured with a dosing spoon or syringe. Do not crush or chew delayed-release capsules.. When To Stop: Do not stop taking Prozac suddenly without consulting your doctor, as this may cause withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor will guide you on how to taper the dose if needed.. Storage: Store at room temperature (68°F to 77°F / 20°C to 25°C), away from moisture, heat, and light. Keep out of reach of children.
- This page does not provide a dose calculator. Dosing must follow the prescriber, pharmacist, or product label.
Procedures and treatment changes
Tell the treating team before surgery, procedures, or any medicine change. Do not alter treatment without the responsible clinician. (3)
Missed dose
If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the regular time. Do not take two doses at once.
Overdose
In case of overdose, seek emergency medical attention or call your local poison control center immediately. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heartbeat, confusion, and fainting. (3)
Side effects
Side effects and their urgency vary; report severe, persistent, or concerning symptoms to a healthcare professional.
Nausea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Insomnia
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Headache
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Diarrhea
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Sexual dysfunction
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Anxiety
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serotonin syndrome
Incidence: Reported in the clinician-authored database; frequency not established
Serious warnings
FDA BOXED WARNING — SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS — serious
Symptoms: FDA BOXED WARNING — SUICIDAL THOUGHTS AND BEHAVIORS: Fluoxetine (Prozac) and other antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults (up to age 24) being treated for major depressive disorder and other psychiatric disorders, particularly during the early weeks of treatment or after a dose change. Anyone starting this medicine should be monitored closely for worsening depression and any emergence of suicidal thoughts; families and caregivers should watch for unusual changes in behavior and report them to the prescriber promptly. Fluoxetine is not approved for children under 8 years old.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
May cause serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs — serious
Symptoms: May cause serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs. Can interact with many medications, including MAOIs, thioridazine, and pimozide. May cause abnormal bleeding, especially if taken with NSAIDs, aspirin, or anticoagulants. Use caution in patients with a history of seizures, bipolar disorder, or liver disease.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
Contraindications recorded in the clinician database — serious
Symptoms: Contraindications recorded in the clinician database: Contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity to fluoxetine, concurrent use with MAOIs, pimozide, or thioridazine. Use caution in patients with a history of seizures, bipolar disorder (may precipitate mania), hepatic impairment, or bleeding disorders. Monitor for suicidal ideation, especially in young adults and children.
Action: Follow the urgency stated and seek prompt or emergency care when indicated. (3)
Interactions
| Medicine or test | Effect | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Recorded interactions | Prozac can interact with many medications, including MAOIs, other SSRIs, SNRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, certain pain medications (tramadol, fentanyl), blood thinners (warfarin), NSAIDs, and herbal supplements like St. John's Wort. These interactions may increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, bleeding, or other serious side effects. Always inform your healthcare provider of all medications and supplements you are taking. |
Pregnancy, breastfeeding, kidney/liver function, age
Pregnancy
The FDA-approved fluoxetine prescribing information notes that taking fluoxetine late in pregnancy may increase the risk of certain complications in the newborn; a National Pregnancy Registry for Antidepressants exists to collect outcome data. Use in pregnancy is a decision for the clinician managing the pregnancy, weighing potential benefit against potential risk. (3)
Breastfeeding
The FDA-approved fluoxetine prescribing information states fluoxetine passes into breast milk and that breastfeeding is generally not recommended during treatment; discuss any use while breastfeeding with the prescribing clinician, who will weigh the mother's need for treatment against potential infant exposure. (3)
Children
Frequency: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Weight Based: Not established for pediatric use.. Max Daily Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Max Single Dose: Not recommended for pediatric use.. Age Restrictions: Safety not established in children. (3)
Renal_impairment
Renal impairment: the FDA-approved label states no dose adjustment is recommended for mild-to-moderate renal impairment, though the clinical significance of possible metabolite accumulation is unknown; a lower or less frequent dose may be appropriate in severe renal impairment, at the prescriber's discretion. Hepatic impairment: because fluoxetine is extensively metabolized by the liver, plasma concentrations and half-life may increase in hepatic impairment (including cirrhosis); a lower or less frequent dose may be appropriate, decided by the prescriber. (3)
Hepatic_impairment
Renal impairment: the FDA-approved label states no dose adjustment is recommended for mild-to-moderate renal impairment, though the clinical significance of possible metabolite accumulation is unknown; a lower or less frequent dose may be appropriate in severe renal impairment, at the prescriber's discretion. Hepatic impairment: because fluoxetine is extensively metabolized by the liver, plasma concentrations and half-life may increase in hepatic impairment (including cirrhosis); a lower or less frequent dose may be appropriate, decided by the prescriber. (3)
Monitoring
(3)Storage
The FDA-approved fluoxetine prescribing information specifies storage at room temperature (68-77°F / 20-25°C), away from moisture, heat, and light.
Professional information
Clinician-facing context only. This section does not replace current product labeling.
General
Indication: Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
Dose summary: Initial dose of 20 mg orally once daily, may be increased to 40 mg after at least one week based on clinical response.
Renal context: The FDA-approved label states no dose adjustment is recommended for mild-to-moderate renal impairment, though the clinical significance of possible metabolite accumulation is unknown; a lower or less frequent dose may be appropriate in severe renal impairment, at the prescriber's discretion. For hepatic impairment, because fluoxetine is extensively metabolized by the liver, plasma concentrations and half-life may increase (including in cirrhosis); a lower or less frequent dose may similarly be appropriate, decided by the prescriber. (3) (2)
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for Prozac (fluoxetine) to work?
It may take 1 to 4 weeks to notice improvement in mood, sleep, or appetite. Full effects for depression or anxiety may take up to 6 to 8 weeks. Continue taking Prozac as prescribed and consult your doctor if you have concerns.
Can Prozac be used in children?
Yes, Prozac is approved for use in children and adolescents (8 years and older) for depression and OCD, but dosing is lower and close monitoring is required due to increased risk of side effects.
Is Prozac addictive?
Prozac is not considered addictive, but stopping it suddenly can cause withdrawal symptoms such as mood changes, irritability, and flu-like symptoms. Always taper under medical supervision.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Prozac?
It is best to avoid alcohol while taking Prozac, as it can increase drowsiness and the risk of side effects.
What should I do if I experience suicidal thoughts while taking Prozac?
Contact your doctor or seek emergency help immediately if you have thoughts of self-harm or suicide. This risk is higher in young people, especially when starting treatment or changing the dose.
Can Prozac be taken during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
Prozac should only be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding if clearly needed and prescribed by your doctor. Discuss risks and benefits with your healthcare provider.
Are there foods or medicines I should avoid while taking Prozac?
Avoid combining Prozac with MAOIs, thioridazine, pimozide, and certain migraine or pain medications. Always check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting new medicines or supplements.
What happens if I take too much Prozac (fluoxetine)?
Taking too much Prozac (fluoxetine) can lead to overdose symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, seizures, irregular heartbeat, and coma. If you suspect an overdose, it is crucial to seek immediate emergency medical attention. Do not attempt to induce vomiting or self-treat. Prompt professional intervention is vital for managing potential life-threatening complications.
Can I drink alcohol while taking Prozac (fluoxetine)?
It is generally not recommended to consume alcohol while taking Prozac (fluoxetine) or other SSRI antidepressants. Alcohol can exacerbate central nervous system side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired judgment, potentially increasing the risk of accidents. Combining alcohol with fluoxetine may also worsen symptoms of depression or anxiety, counteracting the medication's therapeutic effects.
Is Prozac (fluoxetine) safe during pregnancy?
Prozac (fluoxetine) is categorized as a Pregnancy Category C medication, meaning animal reproduction studies have shown an adverse effect on the fetus, but there are no adequate and well-controlled studies in humans. Therefore, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding. They can assess the potential risks and benefits to determine the safest course of action for you and your baby.
What is the mechanism of action of fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It blocks the presynaptic reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) in the central nervous system, increasing serotonin concentrations in the synaptic cleft. This enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission is believed to improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, anxiety, and related disorders. (3)
What is the generic name of Fluoxetine?
The generic name is fluoxetine. It is sold under brand names including Prodep, Selfemra, Zactin, Fluoxetin, Olena, Fluoxetine.
What class of drug is fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine is classed as: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant.
References
- Prozac (fluoxetine) — clinician medicine recordMedGuideGlobal internal clinician-authored medicine record · Global (internal reference) · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 1
- Fluoxetine (Prozac) — professional informationDrugs.com, incorporating FDA label content · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 2
- PROZAC (fluoxetine hydrochloride) — prescribing informationU.S. National Library of Medicine DailyMed · United States · accessed 2026-08-07 · source 3
- FLUOXETINE (FLUOXETINE HYDROCHLORIDE) CAPSULE [APHENA PHARMA SOLUTIONS - TENNESSEE, LLC ] — US prescribing information (DailyMed SPL)U.S. National Library of Medicine (DailyMed) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 4
- Fluoxetine — patient drug information (MedlinePlus)U.S. National Library of Medicine (MedlinePlus) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 5
- Fluoxetine — FDA approval record (Drugs@FDA ANDA204597)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 6
- fluoxetine — RxNorm normalized drug concept (RXCUI 227224)U.S. National Library of Medicine (RxNorm) · US · accessed 2026-08-14 · source 7
Brand names by country
Single-ingredient fluoxetine names are shown separately by country. Product availability, strengths, and supply rules can change; combination products are not included here.
Priority countries
United States
- Prozac40 mg, 10 mg, 20 mg · dista products company
Canada
- PROZAC
- ACH-FLUOXETINE