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Fluoxetine

Brand names: Prozac, Sarafem

Fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant used for depression, OCD, panic disorder, and bulimia.

Brand namesProzac, Sarafem
Type of medicineSSRI antidepressant
Prescription?Prescription
ImportantThis page is general information, not a prescription. Don't start, stop, or change a medicine without talking to your provider or pharmacist.

Overview

It stays in the body a long time, so missed doses and stopping cause fewer withdrawal symptoms than with some other antidepressants.

Benefits build over 4 to 6 weeks.

What it's used for

  • Depression
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
  • Panic disorder
  • Bulimia
  • Severe premenstrual mood symptoms (PMDD)
  • Bipolar depression (with olanzapine)

How to take it

  • Take it in the morning, with or without food. It can be energizing.
  • Keep taking it even when you feel better, unless your provider says otherwise.

Your dose depends on your health and other medicines. Always follow your prescription label, and ask your pharmacist if anything is unclear.

Side effects

Common side effects

  • Nausea
  • Trouble sleeping
  • Nervousness
  • Headache
  • Sexual side effects
  • Loss of appetite
Call 911Thoughts of suicide or harming yourself. Call or text 988 any time.
Call 911Agitation, fever, muscle twitching, and confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
Call 911Fainting or a fast, irregular heartbeat
Call your provider todayUnusual bleeding or bruising
Call your provider todayRacing thoughts, little need for sleep, or reckless behavior

Warnings

  • Children, teens, and young adults can have more suicidal thoughts when starting.
  • Avoid alcohol.

Other medicines, foods, and alcohol

  • Never take within 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting an MAOI, or within 14 days after an MAOI.
  • Other serotonin medicines raise the risk of serotonin syndrome.
  • It raises levels of many medicines, including some heart, psychiatric, and pain medicines. Don't take with pimozide or thioridazine.
  • It can make tamoxifen less effective.
  • Aspirin, NSAIDs, and blood thinners raise bleeding risk.

Tell your provider and pharmacist about every medicine, vitamin, and supplement you take.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding

Talk with your provider about benefits and risks. Don't stop on your own.

Missed doses, overdose, and storage

If you miss a dose

Take it as soon as you remember, unless it's almost time for your next dose. Then skip the missed dose. Don't take two doses at once.

If someone takes too much

Call Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 or get help online at poison.org. Call 911 if the person collapses, has a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be woken.

Storing it

Store at room temperature, away from heat and moisture (not in the bathroom), and out of reach of children and pets.

Conditions it's used for

Sources

Last updated 2026-11-13.