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Fluoxetine (Prozac) – Uses, Benefits, and Side Effects

Date: May 14, 2025 | 6 Minute Read

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an SSRI used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, and more by boosting serotonin in the brain. It’s most effective when combined with therapy and may cause side effects, so it should be taken under medical supervision. Learn more below.

What is Fluoxetine (Prozac)?

Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, Serafem and Selfemra, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. It is available in tablet, oral solution (liquid), capsules and delayed-release capsule formats.

What is Prozac Used For?

Prozac was FDA approved for use in 1987 and went on the market for use in January 1988. Prozac works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps regulate mood and lessen the symptoms of anxiety.

Prozac is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic attacks, anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), treatment resistant depression, depression associated with bipolar 1 disorder and bulimia nervosa in adults. It is also used to treat depression in teenagers and children.

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FAQs

Is Fluoxetine the Same as Prozac?

Yes, fluoxetine is the same as Prozac. Fluoxetine is the generic name for brand-name medications Prozac, Serafem and Selfemra.

How Long Does it Take for Prozac to Work?

For the treatment of depression and panic disorder, individuals often see an improvement in symptoms in one to two weeks and experience the full benefit of the medication between four and six weeks.

For the treatment of bulimia nervosa, individuals typically experience improvement in three weeks. It is important to remember that these times may vary from person to person. If, after four weeks of treatment, there is no improvement, a dose increase may be necessary. This should be done only after consulting with the prescribing medical professional.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Prozac?

In general, the use of alcohol and Prozac together is not recommended. Both Prozac and alcohol can cause dizziness and drowsiness, and when taken together, the effects are exacerbated, potentially increasing the risk of accidents.

Additionally, both alcohol and Prozac raise serotonin levels in the body, so their combined use could possibly lead to serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition. Additionally, alcohol worsens anxiety and depression, which is counterintuitive to taking Prozac as treatment for anxiety and depression.

What is the Difference Between Prozac and Zoloft?

Both Prozac and Zoloft are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, treat many of the same disorders and have the same mechanisms of action. However, they have different specific uses, side effects and potential interactions. For example, Prozac has a higher incidence of headaches and drowsiness, whereas Zoloft use has a higher incidence of nausea, diarrhea, dizziness and dry mouth with use.

Both medications are FDA approved to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Zoloft is also used to treat post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder, whereas Prozac is also used to treat bulimia, binge eating disorder, bipolar depression and treatment resistant depression. Additionally, Prozac may be used to treat borderline personality disorder, Raynaud’s phenomenon and selective mutism; however, the FDA has not approved it for these uses.

What Should I Do if I Experience Side Effects from Fluoxetine?

Do not stop the medication abruptly. Notify the prescribing medical professional. They may decide to change the dose, prescribe a different medication or suggest ways to prevent or reduce some of the side effects. Serious side effects such as anaphylaxis, suicidal ideation or attempt should be addressed in an emergency room.

Children, teens and young adults who use fluoxetine can have increased suicidal thoughts and actions when taking fluoxetine. Additionally, some may have increased risk of aggression, violence and self harm.

Parents or loved ones should closely monitor for sudden mood or behavior changes and thoughts and immediately report these changes to the prescribing medical provider.

Benefits of Fluoxetine for Mental Health

Prozac benefits mental health by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. This helps regulate mood, reduce the symptoms of depression, increase energy levels, and improve sleep. As well, Prozac has been shown to decrease anxiety levels, reduce unwanted thoughts and lessen panic attacks.

A doctor speaks with two patients at a consultation

 

Counseling, along with the use of antidepressants such as Prozac, has positive results when treating depression and other mental health disorders. A study reported in JAMA found that individuals who participated in at least monthly interpersonal therapy and took an antidepressant such as Prozac avoided a recurrence by 80%.

In comparison, 57% of individuals who only took an antidepressant avoided a recurrence, and 36% of individuals who participated in therapy alone for the treatment of depression avoided a recurrence of symptoms.

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Side Effects of Prozac: What to Expect

Prozac, like all medications, has the potential for side effects ranging from mild to severe.

Prozac side effects include:

  • Unusual dreams or a change in sleep habits
  • Sexual problems
  • Loss of appetite, diarrhea or indigestion
  • Nausea, vomiting or dry mouth
  • Feeling unusually weak or tired
  • Headache
  • Dizziness
  • Flu-like symptoms
  • Yawning
  • Sore throat or sinus infection
  • Shaking or tremor
  • Sweating
  • Feeling nervous or anxious
  • Hot flashes

Serious or life-threatening fluoxetine side effects include: 

  • New or increased thoughts of suicide or death
  • Suicide attempt
  • New or increased feelings of anxiety, depression or other unusual changes in mood or behavior
  • Breathing problems or wheezing, swelling of face, lips, mouth, tongue or throat
  • Racing heart
  • Fever
  • Swollen lymph nodes
  • Hives
  • Fainting or feeling lightheaded
  • Stomach cramps
  • Joint pain
  • Extremely elevated mood (mania)
  • Seizures
  • Abnormal bleeding
  • Worsening of narrow angle glaucoma
  • Hyponatremia or low sodium level
  • Heart rhythm changes
  • Symptoms of serotonin syndrome
    • Sweating, fever or flushing
    • Confusion
    • Feeling agitated or restless
    • Seeing or hearing unusual things
    • Dizziness
    • Fast or racing heartbeat
    • Nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
    • Muscle twitching, stiffness or tremor
    • Seizures

Combining Fluoxetine with Therapy for Best Results

The use of fluoxetine and talk therapy, utilizing evidence-based approaches such cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), has been shown to have positive results for individuals who are experiencing mental health disorders such as depression, disordered eating, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic attacks or anxiety.

When used conjunctively, these treatments can help individuals understand what they are experiencing and develop healthy coping skills and self care routines. This promotes a healthier life and, in turn, better overall mental health.

Mental health professionals are crucial to guiding this process. They can determine the best therapeutic methods for each situation, including any appropriate medication and dosage. They provide ongoing support and medication management, collaborating with the client and other medical care providers to address all aspects of mental and physical healthcare.

To learn about these treatment options involving fluoxetine and other antidepressants, consult with a qualified therapist near you.

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