About Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac) is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class.

Fluoxetine is approved for the treatment of depression (including pediatric depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder (in both adult and pediatric populations), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Other indications include hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder.

Despite the availability of newer agents, it remains extremely popular. Over 21.7 million prescriptions for generic formulations of fluoxetine were filled in the United States in 2006 making it the third most prescribed antidepressant.

Dosing and administration

Studies comparing fluoxetine 20, 40, and 60 mg/day to placebo indicate that 20 mg/day is sufficient to obtain a satisfactory response in major depressive disorder in most cases. Consequently, a dose of 20 mg/day, administered in the morning, is recommended as the initial dose.

At least 14 days should elapse between discontinuation of an MAOI and initiation of therapy with fluoxetine. In addition, at least 5 weeks, perhaps longer, should be allowed after stopping Prozac before starting an MAOI.

Fluoxetine comes in 10, 20, 40 and 60 mg capsules. Prozac Weekly comes in 90 mg capsules.

It may take 4 to 5 weeks or longer before the patient feels the full benefit of fluoxetine for most indications and even longer - up to 3 months, for obsessive compulsive disorder.

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