Prozac is a brand-name prescription medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), some eating disorders, and panic disorder. Doctors may prescribe Prozac treatment for premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) symptoms. Additionally, Prozac taken with olanzapine can help treat bipolar disorder-related depression and depression symptoms that don't respond to other antidepressants.

Prozac is supplied as an oral capsule. It contains the drug fluoxetine, which is also available in generic form. Prozac is only available via prescription from a licensed healthcare provider.

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.

Prozac belongs to a classification of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). SSRIs work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin in our brain cells. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical messenger (neurotransmitter) responsible for regulating mood and helping you feel happy. Neurotransmitters send signals between your brain and neurons in the body. Once a signal has been sent, the neuron reabsorbs the serotonin to be recycled.

By blocking the reabsorption (or reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, SSRI medication allows the neurotransmitter to stay active in the brain longer. This can help maintain mental balance, which relieves symptoms of depression, panic disorder, OCD, bulimia, and more.

Prozac has been shown to cause some side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if these reactions do not disappear within a few days or become severe.

Common side effects reported from Prozac use:

• Insomnia
  
• Nervousness/ restlessness
  
• Headache
  
• Difficulty concentrating
  
• Nausea
  
• Diarrhea
  
• Heartburn
  
• Uncontrollable shaking
  
• Loss of appetite
  
• Weight loss
  
• Stuffy nose
  
• Sexual dysfunction in men and women
  
• Dry mouth
  
  

This is not a complete list of adverse reactions. If you experience difficulty breathing, unusual bleeding or bruising, a skin rash, hives, itching, fever, joint pain, muscle stiffness, unusual swelling, seizures, dizziness, hallucinations, or changes in your heart rate while taking Prozac, seek medical attention immediately.

Antidepressant drugs like Prozac can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors. Patients taking Prozac should be monitored for the emergence or worsening of depression, suicidal thoughts or behaviors, or unusual changes in mood or behavior.

As with all prescription medications, inform the prescribing doctor about any medical conditions you have been diagnosed with and any medications or supplements you currently take before starting treatment with Prozac. Prozac can interact with other medicines and substances, causing potentially serious side effects. Before beginning treatment with Prozac, let your doctor know if you are pregnant or are planning on becoming pregnant.

Prozac is commonly prescribed as a once-daily oral capsule. The exact dosage and schedule will vary depending on the patient's age, diagnosis, and body weight. Take the medication exactly as your doctor has instructed.

Do not increase your dosage or discontinue the use of Prozac unless ordered to do so by your doctor. If you experience any adverse reactions, contact a healthcare provider. Your dosage may increase or decrease depending on how well you tolerate the medication.

You should store your medication in a closed container at room temperature, away from extreme heat, extreme cold, moisture, and direct light, and keep it out of the reach of children.

Prozac is only available via prescription from a licensed healthcare provider. Providers on Sesame can order Prozac for local pickup on the same day. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.

Providers on Sesame can write a prescription for Prozac to be picked up near you—often within the same day. Don’t wait to get your prescription filled. Talk to a provider on Sesame and get your prescription ordered right away for fast and convenient pickup from a pharmacy of your choice.

Note that all prescriptions are at the discretion of your doctor.