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.
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 Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.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.
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.
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.
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
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.
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
PROS:
Stopped suicidal thoughts, some relief from depression
CONS:
Sexual dysfunction
For the first 6 weeks I experienced loss of appetite and stomach upsets. This caused some weight loss. My appetite has since returned and the only problems I have is a reduced sex drive and anorgasmia. The good outweighs the bad for me.
fief1966 Newly Joined
Registered: September 2009
Mon September 28, 2009
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 8
PROS:
Helped me to enjoy life for the first time, helped with my depression and anxiety
CONS:
None, insomnia in the first 3 weeks
I have been taking Fluocitine for about 15 years with a 2 year break about 8 years ago. I started taking it when I was about 28 years old, the best thing I have ever done, I missed so much of my life. I started out with 20 mg, for the last 3-4 years I've been taking 30 mg. I don't think it is working so well anymore though because I have been experiencing more and more anxiety attacks lately. The doctor I went to see convinced me to try it rather taking something to calm me, I was sceptical and scared because of all the negativity around this drug. I am so glad I did it!!
trixie459 Newly Joined
Registered: August 2008
Tue August 5, 2008
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $4.00| Rating: 10
PROS:
relieved depression, especially in winter
CONS:
stopped working after 18 months
I started taking fluoxetine to help with menopausal symptoms of hot flashes. It never helped with them, but I was amazed at how much calmer and happier I was when taking it. I didn't realize I was depressed--just figured I was a moody person! My life improved dramatically thanks to fluoxetine. Unfortunately, it lost its effectiveness, even at different doses. I've been trying for a year to find a med that works as well. Therapy certainly helps, but it's not enough.
SeraphNeophyte Junior Member
Registered: June 2008 Location: South Africa Posts: 7
Tue July 1, 2008
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 2
PROS:
Some depressive relief
CONS:
Sleep difficulty, Increased suicidality, Zombified during initial treatment
Depression is only about 20% of my problem...the rest wasn't even touched
Hermetic Newly Joined
Registered: June 2008
Sun June 22, 2008
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
PROS:
Uplifted depression, reduced anxiety, improved concentration and stabilized my mood.
CONS:
Numbness, decreased creativity, descreased sex drive
This was the only medication that was able to stabilize my mood over a long period of time. It unfortunately supressed a lot of my emotions and reduced my creativity. It also made me somewhat apathetic.
sarahmp Newly Joined
Registered: September 2007 Location: honolulu, hawaii
Fri January 25, 2008
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 6
PROS:
makes me feel somewhat happier
CONS:
side effects
Although prozac made me feel better, it also gave me extremely severe migranes. There were times when I would still consider suicide, even on the drug.
haleyshea Newly Joined
Registered: December 2007
Tue December 4, 2007
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
PROS:
slight relief of depression
CONS:
nausea, constipation, headaches
Half the time I took it I ended up throwing up. In combination with the headaches I was pretty much in constant pain.
It helped my depression a little, but the side effects were too bad and negated any help Prozac gave me. Yeah, I felt a little better, but I wanted to die everything hurt so bad.
Gianna New Member
Registered: October 2007 Location: NC Posts: 1
Thu October 25, 2007
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
PROS:
none
CONS:
gave me the worst anxiety attacks I've ever had in my life
all SSRI's are dangerous and ineffective for me
buzzie Newly Joined
Registered: March 2006 Location: Southern CA
Thu August 2, 2007
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $5.00| Rating: 10
PROS:
Depression
CONS:
none that I know of
It has helped me big time. Helped with my depression. On 20 mg. for now. Was on clexa which was also good except for the weight gain. The weight gain made me more insecure so Prozac has helped with not gaining weight.
sweetleaf Junior Member
Registered: July 2007 Location: south florida Posts: 15
Sun July 29, 2007
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 9
PROS:
excellent 4 depression, almost no side effects
CONS:
makes hypomania worse
If not for Prozac, I'd have checked myself outta here years ago. On it, my depression fades away and I live a productive life. It lowered my sex drive to a normal human level. I was misdiagnosed unipolar and now know I'm bipolar. Haven't successfully found a mood stabilizer yet to go along with the Prozac, so I'm dealing with the hypomania. My family's happier when I'm on the Prozac--I clean the house more!
EnigmaCat Newly Joined
Registered: March 2007
Wed June 6, 2007
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $0.13| Rating: 10
PROS:
helped fight depression. reduced OCD symptoms. got rid of mental fog and daily stress headaches.
CONS:
metalic taste for the first month.
fluoxetine is a miracle drug as far as I'm concerned. at 40 mgs a day, my depression has largely lifted. my anxiety has decreased some. my OCD is less obsessive and compulsive. my chronic headaches are gone, as is the brain fog. thinking doesn't physically hurt any longer. my creative drive and my interest in life have returned.
nibbanalice Newly Joined
Registered: May 2007
Thu May 24, 2007
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
PROS:
nothing positive
CONS:
very bad
Did not help me at all. I got sick. kept me in bed. Brain stopped functioning.
I hated it.
jimmyjetta Newly Joined
Registered: May 2007
Sun May 13, 2007
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
PROS:
it works
CONS:
sexual side effects
Antidepressant properties are solid. It works well.I generally only get one side effect from antidepressants: no matter which one it is, if it demonstrates even the smallest possibility of causing sexual side effects then I'm going to be the person who has problems with it.Catch 22.
DePressMe Grand Magnate
Registered: March 2007 Location: Lafayette, Indiana Posts: 3239
Thu April 26, 2007
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $0.75| Rating: 2
PROS:
None
CONS:
Did not help my depression and it caused some sexual dysfunction.
This medication did not help my depression. It did cause sexualy dysfunction, so I stopped taking it.
loupopeye22 New Member
Registered: March 2007 Posts: 1
Fri March 23, 2007
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
PROS:
can't think of any
CONS:
lots
Prozac was the first medication given when I was severe depressive illness, off work for more than 7 months. During that time, I was from the lowest ebb to the highest energy which had causing havoc in my family. I threw all the stuff and cleaned in the kitchen vigorously until I calmed down as if nothing had happened in the house. My sisters and my grandmother had kept asking where their stuff were. I vaguely remembered and felt remorsely guilty about it. Went back to my doctor and had decided to stop the meds and changed to doxepin.
Anonymous
Sun March 4, 2007
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
PROS:
it helped to clear my thoughts
CONS:
nausea, no sleep
it did what it was prescribed to do which was to clear my head a little to enable me to think clearer
boomslang Junior Member
Registered: February 2007 Posts: 16
Wed February 28, 2007
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
PROS:
none
CONS:
sent me into a wild manic episode that almost got me killed and threw me out of college, though I was misdiagnosed as Unipolar when I am actually Bipolar
I was diagnosed with Unipolar Depression, Tourette's syndrome, ADHD, OCD. I was put on this and Strattera. I collapsed from a horrible manic episode as a Junior in college and was afterwards diagnosed with Bipolar I, along with the other diagnoses.DO NOT TAKE IF YOU ARE BIPOLARIF YOU HAVE BEEN DIAGNOSED UNIPOLAR AND ARE HAVING MANIC SYMPTOMS TELL YOUR DOCTOR ASAP
pinacolada Newly Joined
Registered: February 2007
Sat February 24, 2007
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
PROS:
less frustrated, depression not prevalent constantly, confidence boost, creative imagination inspired
CONS:
somewhat more suicidal during difficulties, do not recall much while on medication, impulsiveness
The first year of taking it really improved my self esttem and sparked my creative outlet intrest, however out of nowhere I would either feel compelled to give into impulse without hessitation. This can be dangerous. and crying jags would come on out of nowhere. Then it was if after a period of time i felt as though Life was some dream state and felt apathetic. however i do rember if only used for a short period it was signigant in helping me cope with the most unstable part of my life.
mama2ak New Member
Registered: December 2006 Location: Minnesota Posts: 4
Sat December 30, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 8
PROS:
Price, low side effects
CONS:
Build up a tolerance
The price is right, the side effects are low, but I didn't feel like it worked as effectively as Paxil or Celexa.
URIIADDIVME Member
Registered: September 2006 Posts: 38
Mon December 18, 2006
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
I spent three months in severe discomfort. Discontinuing treatment returned me to a tolerable experience.
AlteredState01 Poohbah
Registered: October 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 1061
Tue October 10, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5
PROS:
Keeps me from spiralling into deep depressive states.
CONS:
Not so easy to take oneself off this medication if used for long periods.
Only medication that hasn't created problems with side effects, other than, well, killing what's left of my sexual desires. Didn't gain weight, though!!Have been taking this med for over 15 years and at various dosages. Now taking minimum dosage (10 mgs)daily.Side effects are difficult to deal with when trying to ween off this medication (with proper supervision, of course). I experienced weird head rushes, dizziness, moodiness. Felt myself destablizing very quickly (even before weening process completed) and began treatment again at my regular dosage. Have not tried again since (5 years). Too scared to, really.
endless_hysteria New Member
Registered: October 2006 Location: Worcester, UK Posts: 2
Thu October 5, 2006
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 2
PROS:
none
CONS:
gave me acid reflux
It not only didn't work on me, but it gave me acid reflux and made me very ill for 6 months
Sun September 24, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 5
PROS:
took care of depression
CONS:
pushed me into a hypo manic state, stopped working after about 6 weeks& had to keep increasing dosage
Since I wasn't diagnosed with bipolar at the time I was on this, it was used alone with no mood stabilizer & it pushed me into a hypo manic state which I really enjoyed after being so depressed for so long.
darkeyes Elder
Registered: May 2001 Location: US Posts: 6683
Fri September 15, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 6
PROS:
helped reduce some depression and the fatigue from depression
CONS:
started to poop out,losing emotion,and started with "brain zaps"
Because of being wrongly DXed,I cannot say the antidepressants used today (SSRI's) do not work well,but I did get some reduction in my depression.
eskielover just me wantng to be free
Registered: October 2004 Location: Kentucky, USA Posts: 9033
Thu September 14, 2006
Recommended? No |
Total Spent: $10.00| Rating: 2
PROS:
CONS:
anxiety attacks worse, increased depression, loss of appetite, suicidal
fluoxetine goes also under brand name of prozac. The use of this as prozac pushed my weight loss to a dangerously low level which required medical treatment. It also caused my anxiety & depression levels to increase & even ended I reaulted in having several suicidal attempts during its use.
jennie Poohbah
Registered: December 2002 Location: DC metro area Posts: 1366
Wed September 13, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 4
PROS:
CONS:
migraines
After having difficulties with another SSRI, my psychiatrist switched me to this medication. I had to stop this med because it caused debiliating migraines which prevented me from working my job for a week.
Tue September 12, 2006
Recommended? Yes |
Total Spent: None indicated| Rating: 1
PROS:
none that I experienced
CONS:
too many for me
this drug is otherwise known as prozac. I recieved this drug back when it was first coming on the market and not much was known about it. I became even more unstable on it to the point where even now I have no memory of what I did while on it. All I do know is that I remember seeing colored blips in front of my eyes which turned out to be that all I did at work while on this medication was play donkey kong on the office computer. When I answered the phone during my time on duty at this college where I worked I basically in not so clean language told the caller I didn't work there and to leave me alone and never call again. I have also been told I was constantly experiencing hot flashes and cold flashes for I was either stripping my clothes in the college lounge or was taking everyone elses spare clothing because I was freezing. I had a roommate at one point after I had been off it for a year and she experienced an increase in the need to burn herself with a glue gun and one night told me she was gonig to kill herself and was extremely serious and activated about it so I had to go to a neighbors house and call the police while another friend kept her on the phone.I now know I have DID so looking at all this it tells me that if a person has DID and are put on this medication I highly recommend VERY close monitoring by the prescribing physician and the client being prescribed this medication should attend many med checks while starting on the medication so that if it cases more dissociative problems the medication can be adjusted or discontinued.I am leaving the yes on for recommendation because one persons flop medication can be another persons miracle drug. So I don't feel its up to me to recommed or not a drug. for me this drug was a disaster but I do have some friends that have had good luck with it.
