Fluoxetine (Prozac): Uses, Side Effects, and Safety
Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It is used to treat conditions such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin available in the brain.
Fluoxetine can help relieve symptoms of depression and several anxiety and eating disorders, but it may cause side effects and interact with other medicines. Take it exactly as prescribed and discuss any concerns with a doctor or pharmacist.
This medication carries a boxed (black box) warning — the strongest type of FDA warning. Review the full prescribing information before use.
Key facts at a glance
- ATC
- N06AB03
- Generic
- Fluoxetine
- Class
- ssri
- Brands
- Prozac
- Availability
- rx
- Pregnancy
- C
- Lactation
- caution
- Half-life (h)
- 96
- Routes
- oral
- Forms
- capsule, tablet
- Regions
- CN, US, EU, JP
- Monitoring
- suicidal-ideation
This page is for informational purposes only.
Do not use this information to diagnose yourself or to replace a physician's advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare provider before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. If you believe you are experiencing a medical emergency, call your local emergency number immediately.
Dosage and administration
- Usual dose
- 20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 10mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
- Usual dose
- 20mg once daily
- Maximum
- consult physician
- Frequency
- once daily
- Instructions
- Follow physician instructions
- Duration limits
- as prescribed
- Monitoring
- standard
Overdose information
Special Populations
8 groupspregnancy
first trimesteravoid if possible
avoid use during first trimester unless benefits outweigh risks; consider alternative antidepressants with better safety data
regular prenatal monitoring, fetal ultrasound screening
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pregnancy
third trimestertaper before delivery if possible
consider tapering in third trimester to reduce neonatal withdrawal; monitor for PPHN
fetal monitoring for PPHN signs, neonatal assessment for withdrawal
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
lactation
breastfeedinguse lowest effective dose
generally compatible with breastfeeding; monitor infant for excessive drowsiness, irritability, or feeding problems
observe infant for signs of serotonin toxicity, monitor growth
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
geriatric
elderlystart with 10mg daily, consider reduced dose
initiate at 10mg daily; maximum dose 60mg daily; increased risk of hyponatremia and bleeding
monitor sodium levels, platelets, bleeding risk, orthostatic hypotension
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
children 8 to 12start with 10mg daily, titrate slowly
FDA approved for pediatric MDD ages 8-17; increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children
close monitoring for suicidal ideation, behavioral changes, growth monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
pediatric_age
adolescentsstart with 10-20mg daily
approved for ages 12-17; monitor closely for worsening depression and suicidal thoughts
weekly contact initially, monitor for behavioral changes
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
renal_impairment
severe renal impairmentconsider dose reduction; no specific recommendation but use with caution
not significantly renally excreted but use caution in severe impairment; consider reduced dose
monitor renal function, drug levels if available
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
hepatic_impairment
hepatic impairmentreduce dose or extend dosing interval
metabolized extensively in liver; reduce dose in hepatic impairment; avoid in severe hepatic disease
monitor liver function tests, consider therapeutic drug monitoring
Use with caution and monitor for adverse effects.
Statistics and clinical data
FDA approval year
Original FDA approval date for Fluoxetine
Drug class
Pharmacological classification
Common uses
Primary therapeutic indications
Brand name
Primary commercial brand name
Contraindications
Conditions and patient states where this medication should be avoided or used with caution.
Do not use (1)
Known allergy to this medication or its components
Use caution (1)
Consult healthcare provider for benefits vs risks assessment
Official drug label
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This information is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment.
This content is for general informational and educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the guidance of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you have about a medical condition, and never disregard professional medical advice or delay seeking it because of something you read here.
If you think you may have a medical emergency, call your local emergency number or go to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Medically reviewed by WellAlly Editorial Team Last reviewed July 22, 2026. · Read our editorial policy