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Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine, a medication that is available by prescription, is used for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and bulimia. It is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, which blocks the reuptake of serotonin when serotonin levels become unbalanced. Fluoxetine is available in a variety of strengths and is generally taken once or twice a day. Common side effects of the medicine may include anxiety, insomnia, loss of appetite, and diarrhea.
Fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac®) is a prescription medicine used to treat a number of conditions within the brain.
Fluoxetine is manufactured by Eli Lilly and Company. Generic fluoxetine is made by several manufacturers.
Fluoxetine is licensed to treat a number of conditions. These uses include the treatment of:
When used in combination with Zyprexa® (olanzapine), fluoxetine is approved for the following uses:
- Depression associated with bipolar disorder
- Treatment-resistant depression (depression that has not responded to treatment with at least two different antidepressants).
Sarafem® (a brand-name medication that contains the exact same medication as fluoxetine) is also licensed to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), but Prozac (and generic Prozac) are not approved for this use.
(Click What Is Fluoxetine Used For? for more information on specific uses, including possible off-label uses.)
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD