Healthcare providers prescribe Prozac to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and panic disorder. It is also approved in combination therapy with olanzapine for treating psychological conditions resistant to other forms of treatment and for acute depressive episodes associated with bipolar disorder.
Prozac is also sometimes used to relieve the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other conditions.
Depression, also known as major depressive disorder or clinical depression, is a mood disorder that negatively affects how you think, behave, and feel. Untreated depression can lead to a range of emotional and physical issues. The symptoms of depression may vary from person to person. They may appear mild in some, while they can be debilitating in others.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder is a chronic condition that causes unwanted and uncontrollable thoughts or fears (obsessions). These obsessive thoughts lead individuals to engage in repetitive behaviors (compulsions). Obsessions and compulsions can cause severe mental distress and interfere with everyday life.
Bulimia nervosa, commonly referred to as bulimia," is a potentially life-threatening eating disorder. Those with bulimia will go through episodes of “binge eating,” where they cannot control the amount of food they eat, followed by “purging.” Bulimia, if left untreated, can lead to extremely serious medical complications—even death. Due to the cycle of binging and purging, individuals with bulimia can seriously dehydrate themselves, damage their internal organs (including the heart and kidneys), and erode the enamel of their teeth.
Premenstrual dysphoria disorder is characterized by severe symptoms at the onset of menstruation. PMDD can cause extreme mood swings, irritability, depression, and physical symptoms like breast tenderness.
