Advanced Search
 Forum Home · Search · Register · Login 

Home » Medications Previous Product    Next Product

Prozac (fluoxetine)
Overall Rating
spacerspacer
4.47
Rating:

4.47
Customer Service
spacerspacer
3.47
Pricing
spacerspacer
6.36
Average Price: $12.22 Thumbs up Recommended By
50% of reviewers (of 32 reviews)
Ads by HealthPricer
advertisement




Prozac®

Generic Name: Fluoxetine floo-OX-e-teen

Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI

 

Contents

 

Description
This medicine is used to treat depression or anxiety. Your doctor may prescribe this medicine for other conditions as well.
Top of page 

General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your healthcare provider. 

Top of page

Proper use of this medicine
This medicine should be taken about the same time every day, morning or evening and can be taken with or without food. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in as little as 1-2 weeks.
Top of page

Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.
Top of page

Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture. Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.
Top of page

Possible Side Effects
    • dry mouth
    • tremor or muscle spasms
    • nervousness
    • trouble sleeping
    • headache, drowsiness
    • nausea
    • drowsiness
    • insomnia
    • headache
    • increased sweating
    • dizziness, lightheadedness
    • changes in sexual function
    • Unreported side effects are possible, talk to your healthcare provider if any other symptoms occur.
Top of page

Warnings/Precautions
    • This medicine may cause drowsiness or dizziness.
    • Alcoholic beverages can increase the effects of this medicine and should be avoided.
    • Smoking cigarettes can decrease the effectiveness of this medicine.
    • If you are planning to have surgery, let your doctor know.
    • Do NOT take this medicine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor [phenelzine (Nardil) or tranylcypromine (Parnate)] in the last two weeks.
    • This medicine can increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in some children and teens. Parents of children taking antidepressants should watch for signs of worsening depression or unusual changes in behavior.
Top of page

Overdose
Seek medical attention immediately. U.S. residents can call the national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canadian residents should call their local poison control center directly.
Top of page

Drug Interactions
    • If you are taking a tricyclic antidepressant, talk to your doctor before taking this medicine.
    • St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin.
    • Tell your doctor if you are taking any of the following drugs:
      • blood thinners (Coumadin)
      • other antidepressants
      • metoprolol
      • antihistamines
      • carbamazepine (Tegretol)
      • cimetidine (Tagamet)
      • estrogens
      • fluoxetine (Prozac)
      • intraconazole (Sporanox)
      • ketoconazole (Nizoral)
      • levodopa
      • lithium
      • muscle relaxants
      • birth control pills
      • sleeping pills
      • thyroid medications
    • Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking this medicine.
    • Caution should be exercised when taking this medicine certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin, clarithromycin, or azithromycin.
    • If you are taking medications for migraines such as Imitrex, talk to your doctor before starting this medicine.
    • This medicine should not be taken with MAO inhibitors. If you think you are taking an MAO inhibitor talk to your doctor or pharmacist.

Top of page

Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, discuss the benefits versus the risks of using this medicine while pregnant. Because this medicine is excreted in the breast milk, nursing mothers should not breastfeed while taking this medicine.
Top of page

More Information

Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially children/teenages) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with a doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication, even if the treatment is not for a mental condition. Tell your doctor immediatley if you notice worsening depression, unusual behavior changes, (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes. Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
Top of page

Copyright 2006 PharmClips, Inc. All rights reserved. www.pharmclips.com
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty, expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material. The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before making any changes in their drug regimen.



Last reviewed:

  On 8 Aug 2006

  By John M. Grohol, Psy.D.

 

4213prozac1.jpg

Ads by HealthPricer



Author
Post a Reply 
jennie
Grand Poohbah

Registered: December 2002
Location: DC metro area
Posts: 1942
Review Date: Thu June 22, 2006 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): none
Negative aspects of the product (cons): migraines

Thumbs Down!
Click here to see this users profileVisit the user's homepage  
Zen888
Poohbah

Registered: October 2005
Posts: 1418
Review Date: Sun July 2, 2006 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): None
Negative aspects of the product (cons): Feel absolutely horrible on this medication

Experience allergic reaction to medication that made my depression worse.
Click here to see this users profile  
myself
Grand Magnate

Registered: July 2005
Posts: 3291
Review Date: Tue September 12, 2006 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 0 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros):
Negative aspects of the product (cons):

my review for this drug can be found in Fluoxetine which is the other name this drug is known by.
Click here to see this users profile  
eskielover
Magnate

Registered: October 2004
Location: Harrodsburg, Kentucky, USA
Posts: 2574
Review Date: Thu September 14, 2006 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 2 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros):
Negative aspects of the product (cons): increased anxiety & depression level, dizziness & nausea/lack of appetite & suicidal feelings

I reviewed this also under the name fluoxetine (another name for prozac). The increased level of anxiety & depression along with suicidal feelings were part of my reaction. The nausea & increased weight loss were also part of the experience I had with prozac.
Click here to see this users profile  
darkeyes
Wise Elder

Registered: May 2001
Location: US
Posts: 9690
Review Date: Fri September 15, 2006 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): helped reduce some depression and the fatigue from depression
Negative aspects of the product (cons): The beneficial effects pooped out,and I had to go to another AD.

I'm sure this well known med,that has been in the media over the years,has helped many,but for me,again,I feel it is over rated.
But then, I had later been DXed with mild bipolar,so perhaps I was not recieving the proper med for the disorder for quite some time,so I wouldn't judge the efficacy based on my experience.
Click here to see this users profile  
Beee
Visitor

Registered: October 2006
Location: Nova Scotia, Canada
Posts: 1
Review Date: Wed October 11, 2006 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: $1.32| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): less depressed
Negative aspects of the product (cons):

It helps me
Click here to see this users profile  
Meta
Member

Registered: July 2006
Posts: 286
Review Date: Sat October 14, 2006 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): lifted my depression
Negative aspects of the product (cons): stopped working after a time

I recommend it with reservations--I wasn't prepared for when it stopped working. It was great while it worked.
Click here to see this users profile  
prodigiousgamer
Member

Registered: October 2006
Location: tampa, fl
Posts: 51
Review Date: Sun October 22, 2006 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): none
Negative aspects of the product (cons): moderate side effects

i did not like this medication. after 5 weeks of therapy on prozac i still had not experienced any alleviation of the symptoms of depression. the side effects were moderate and including drowsiness, memory problems, and vertigo. i did not like this medication and honestly i would not recomment it to anybody.
Click here to see this users profile  
SwasiGirl88
Visitor

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 1
Review Date: Wed December 6, 2006 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 0 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): None
Negative aspects of the product (cons): Nose bleeds, Migraines, More anxiety and depression.

Does not work, just not it. Medication is just not a friend. It is not good for anyone. Especially Prozac, just not good.
Click here to see this users profile  
Umbrella
Visitor

Registered: December 2006
Posts: 1
Review Date: Sun December 24, 2006 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): depression lifted, anxiety still there
Negative aspects of the product (cons): very hyped up, fidgety, hyperactive, always needing to be in motion, CONSTANT leg tapping

I just got off the med, thank god. I don't like the idea of having something psychoactive in your body and "blaming" your depression on chemical imbalance and getting on a DRUG to "fix" it...I really wish that I never got on the Prozac in the first place, and I can't wait to experience life without feeling hyped up and being unable to sit still. I regret getting on the medication, yet it was a learning experience. My problems do not magically go away with a drug. My problems only resurface when I decrease the Prozac and become worse. I definitely prefer a more natural way of "fixing" things.
Click here to see this users profile  
Review Date: Thu December 28, 2006 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): NONE
Negative aspects of the product (cons): made me manic

I know this drug is wonderful for a lot of people, however when I was on it I went into a huge manic episode (while at college this was kinda nice... no sleep got all my work done durning the PM hours and then started driving my roomates nuts... I think one of them finally called the health center and i was sadly taken off Prozac and then put on Paxil...which made me suicidal.. have finally found Cymbalta... wonderful drug!)
Click here to see this users profile  
caramelcreme
Member

Registered: March 2007
Posts: 32
Review Date: Sat March 10, 2007 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): less emotional, reduces PMS, calmer
Negative aspects of the product (cons): loss of libido

I've been on a lot of meds. So far this is the best. Not great but much better than the others. Less side effects. I don't feel happy on it but not sad either.
Click here to see this users profile  
GirlUk
Visitor

Registered: March 2007
Location: england, UK
Posts: 2
Review Date: Wed March 21, 2007 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): helped weight loss
Negative aspects of the product (cons): just about eveything

really bad for me. by the time i was taken off it my depression was worse and i had new suicidal thoughts
Click here to see this users profile  
puma42
New Member

Registered: June 2007
Location: New Zealand
Posts: 2
Review Date: Thu June 7, 2007 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): I find it great,it has almost totally wiped out my anxiety
Negative aspects of the product (cons): Nothing major,I got dizzie and more axious for the first month,that all passed and now 2 years down the track,I'm pretty happy and have almost no panic attacks.

Med's take some getting use to that's true,however you have to look at the big picture.I was soo stubborn for so many years,and hated the thought of being on something all the time.When I look at my overall mental stability now tho[and yes some of that's just growing up[altho I am 42 lol]I wish I'd done this years ago.
We all react to stuff differently,I just hope this might give someone out there some hope...feel free to post me to talk about it.
Click here to see this users profile  
sugarcoop
Visitor

Registered: June 2007
Location: california
Posts: 1
Review Date: Wed June 20, 2007 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): relieved depression but still feel all range of emotions
Negative aspects of the product (cons): none

There have been no side effects for me, no sexual side effects or weight loss/gain or sleep problems, it makes me feel what I think "normal" must feel like. My only concern is getting off of it, can I? what will happen? am I dependent on it now?
Click here to see this users profile  
xp1155
Member

Registered: August 2007
Location: Ohio
Posts: 42
Review Date: Sun August 26, 2007 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): can help a major episode
Negative aspects of the product (cons): body gets addicted to it (hard to come off of), sleepiness, dry mouth, upset stomach, shaking

The first time I took this drug, it helped with a major depressive episode. However, it was very hard to come off of because my body was addicted to it. The second time I took it (without a major depressive episode), it did not help and the side effects were worse. It was also very hard for me to come off of again. This is the only SSRI drug (I've taken them all) that my body got addicted to, so it is quite powerful. I think it's a good choice for people who get a lot of major depressive episodes, but not for dysthymia.
Click here to see this users profile  
102riley
Visitor

Registered: October 2007
Location: Southeast Alabama
Posts: 9
Review Date: Wed October 10, 2007 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: $7.00| Rating: 5 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): none
Negative aspects of the product (cons): made me crazy

Literally made me crazy. Had a plan to kill myself and everything. Had major increase in anxiety and some weird hallucination/dream that freaked me out!
Click here to see this users profile  
anna342
Member

Registered: March 2007
Location: England
Posts: 96
Review Date: Mon November 5, 2007 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros):
Negative aspects of the product (cons): Shaking, twitching, extreme anxiety

I was gradually increased from 20mg up to 60mg. I reacted badly as soon as I was even put on 20mg, I shook a lot, couldnt keep still, and eventually I ended up barely able to go out of the house. It caused terrible anxiety, and I would even go as far as to say it contributed towards my suicidal thoughts.
Click here to see this users profile  
Elbarto150
Visitor

Registered: November 2007
Posts: 5
Review Date: Sun November 11, 2007 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): a little less depressed
Negative aspects of the product (cons): extreme physical agitation, felt like i was going insane

I have been on Lexapro, Zoloft and Prozac for depression and anxiety and this was by far the worst out of the three. Not only did it barely help my depression symptoms, but it made my anxiety far worse and basically made me feel like I was sick all the time. Strange zaps and overall malaise really suck with this.
Click here to see this users profile  
Abstract
Visitor

Registered: November 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 1
Review Date: Fri November 16, 2007 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): It didn't give me any really bad side effects
Negative aspects of the product (cons): I got quite a few of the side effects but it didn't help my depression

I've got many friends/acquaintances who're on/have been on prozac and for some, it's helped, whereas for others it hasn't. I think it's down to the individual and my ratings are personal.
Click here to see this users profile  
BelleSomnium
Visitor

Registered: December 2007
Location: South Carolina
Posts: 6
Review Date: Thu December 6, 2007 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Works quickly, relieves pain
Negative aspects of the product (cons): Severe anxiety, agitation, insomnia

I started taking Prozac because I had severe muscle aches and depression during my menstrual cycle, aka PMDD. Prozac worked almost immediately and alleviated the muscle pain and depression. I also didn't experience nausea and fogginess like I usually do with SSRI's. Overall it worked well for me, but I had to stop taking it because it was too activating. I felt like I was on Speed all the time. I had severe insomnia and anxiety that made the pros not worth it to me. I also had sexual side effects. I just recently switched to Celexa. Hopefully I'll have better luck with it.
Click here to see this users profile  
Piecesofme
Junior Member

Registered: December 2007
Posts: 8
Review Date: Sun December 30, 2007 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros):
Negative aspects of the product (cons): bad side effects, increased suicidal thoughts

Bad, bad, bad.
Click here to see this users profile  
mazer
Member

Registered: January 2008
Location: in my own crazy world
Posts: 28
Review Date: Wed January 2, 2008 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): none at all
Negative aspects of the product (cons): suicidal and increase anxiety

I was put on this and I ended up being sectioned as it was that bad !This drug should be banned !
Click here to see this users profile  
ashtinzoe
Visitor

Registered: January 2008
Posts: 1
Review Date: Wed January 30, 2008 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): none
Negative aspects of the product (cons): made me crazy

While on it I couldn't get out of bed and then when taken of it I have been in a mixed episode ever since. I can't concentrate to do my school work and i have an even harder time sitting still
Click here to see this users profile  
Review Date: Fri February 29, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: $30.00| Rating: 10 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): increased energy, decreased anxiety, decreased depression
Negative aspects of the product (cons): dry mouth

This medication saved my life. I started taking it when it first came out and have been taking it ever since. I have never had any side effects except for dry mouth. I started on 10mg and then went to 20mg. I suffered from depression, anxiety and panic attacks. Prozac truly helped me get my life back. My head feels clear and I feel like I can think. It has truly been a blessing in my life. I also want to say that therapy has helped me tremendously as well. I think that the combination of medication and therapy is key.
Click here to see this users profile  
LBear1947
Junior Member

Registered: March 2008
Location: Oregon
Posts: 11
Review Date: Fri March 21, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): none
Negative aspects of the product (cons): felt like I was craling out of my skin

I craved sugar, couldn't sleep and was twitchy all the time. Had to go off.
Click here to see this users profile  
cutie1911
Visitor

Registered: April 2008
Location: New York
Posts: 1
Review Date: Thu April 17, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): helped with panic attacks, agarophobia
Negative aspects of the product (cons): sugar cravings, weight gain, stopped working after a year

I was taking prozac for a little over a year. It was my first medication I was on for panic attacks/depression/agarophobia. It worked for these symptoms, but caused weight gain ( i went from 95 pounds to 140). I had horrible sugar cravings. Plus it stopped working after a while (i was on 20 mg). No real side effects, withdrawal was easy (compared to Lexapro). I just quit cold turkey. I would recommend this for somebody whom it does not cause weight gain.
Click here to see this users profile  
chaturchand
Junior Member

Registered: May 2008
Posts: 11
Review Date: Tue May 13, 2008 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 3 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Works fast on Depression and Anxiety Symptoms....
Negative aspects of the product (cons): Sever memory loss, elevates ADHD sysmptoms

I used to take 20mg but i had to stop due to sever memory loss and loss of activness. Makes me dull....cant think of future....cant plan ahead...cant stress my mind at all.
Click here to see this users profile  
trillian
Visitor

Registered: July 2008
Posts: 3
Review Date: Fri July 11, 2008 Would you recommend the product? No | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): i was happy
Negative aspects of the product (cons): i was manic, couldn't sleep, dry mouth

i used to have a drinking and gambling problem and had been free from it. the prozac made me manic. i started drinking and gambling again, spent 3,000 dollars in about three weeks. i was also very fidgity. loss of appetite and hard to fall asleep. i was happy and fine with everything, good or bad. wasn't a good experience for me.
Click here to see this users profile  
daddysGal
Junior Member

Registered: July 2008
Location: USA
Posts: 6
Review Date: Mon July 14, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): 1st time that I took this i came out of an 8 funk dark..hell literally!!
Negative aspects of the product (cons): lost A LOT of weight, size 10-4!!

I'm on it for a second time, i;m back to my non-social can't function self..I get like this when it comes around to father;s day and the time my Dad passed. Prozac asved my life..I wasn't going to kill myself but, I wasn't trying to live either!! I also know enough to get out and volunteer with orgs. that need more than I need...homeless people and kids in the ICU...it helps too!!
Click here to see this users profile  
Is4110
Junior Member

Registered: May 2008
Location: SW Arkansas
Posts: 17
Review Date: Thu July 17, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): Helped with depressive symptoms and obsessive thoughts.
Negative aspects of the product (cons): Slight weight gain, memory lapse.

I was on Luvox, years back, and went on Prozac in hopes it would not make me drowsy. It did the trick, I felt lots better, didn't obsesss too much, and had energy!!! (unlike Luvox that made me want to sleep). I only take 20 mg every other day, with my doctor's supervision. Only see him 1 time a year now. It's cool..I feel that I have really managed my symptoms well and I am in tune with my symptoms. I like Prozac better for depression. Plus, I can still feel a little hyper on this, which is the real me. It works for me.
Click here to see this users profileVisit the user's homepage  
skittleburst14
Visitor

Registered: August 2008
Posts: 9
Review Date: Sun August 10, 2008 Would you recommend the product? Yes | Total Spent: $15.00| Rating: 7 

 
Positive aspects of the product (pros): It was more effective than most other anti-depressants
Negative aspects of the product (cons): worked for a while, then completely stopped working

I have had major depression, ADHD, anorexia and bulimia since childhood. At first, I thought this was the most amazing drug. For the first six weeks, I had no problems controlling the eating disorder, and my depression lifted the day I took the first dose (60mg/day). Unfortunatately, it ended up making me manic. I went off it for 6 mos., tried it again, and had another manic episode. Went off it for 2 years, went back on it, and it didn't do anything for the first 6 weeks, but then it started making me feel MORE depressed to the point of suicidality, so I had to stop. However, it is a good drug for me to take on the rare occasion that my mood takes a very sharp, sudden drop because it works quickly and keeps my mood from completely tanking. One of the better drugs for bulimia, but not the best. The insomnia on Prozac was brutal after a couple weeks so as much as I tried to adjust to this drug, I never could. I do think it could be very helpful for others though. For me, Provigil is 10 times better.
Click here to see this users profile