Fluoxetine is the generic equivalent of Prozac®.

By law, a generic drug must be the same as its brand name counterpart in terms of active ingredient, dosage, safety, effectiveness, strength, stability, and quality. A generic may, however, differ in its inactive ingredients (i.e. flavoring, fillers, and preservatives).

Fluoxetine is FDA approved for the treatment of:

• Major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression

• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

• Bulimia Nervosa, a type of eating disorder

• Panic disorder (PD), with or without agoraphobia

• Acute Depressive Episodes Associated with Bipolar Disorder Type I—in combination with olanzapine (Zyprexa®)

• Treatment Resistant Depression—in combination with olanzapine (Zyprexa®)

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or SSRI. It works by blocking the brain’s quick absorption of serotonin, a “feed good” chemical in your brain. The end result? An increased level of serotonin in your brain, which is thought to improve mood.

The most common side effects of fluoxetine include:

• Strange dreams

• Sexual dysfunction, including altered sex drive and delayed ejaculation

• Loss of appetite, diarrhea, nausea or vomiting

• Flu symptoms

• Feeling tired or fatigued, trouble sleeping

• Change in sleep habits

• Weight gain or weight loss

• Tremor or shaking

• Sweating

• Feeling anxious or nervous

• Hot flashes

• Dry mouth

Side effects may improve over time as your body adjusts to the medicine. This list doesn’t represent all possible side effects (or serious side effects) of fluoxetine. If you’re experiencing any ongoing, bothersome side effect(s), tell your healthcare provider right away.

If you’d like to learn more, speak with your doctor or pharmacist. The The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) also has a helpful medication guide for fluoxetine here.

Fluoxetine (Prozac®) can does come with serious warnings. These include:

• Increased risk of suicidal thoughts or actions *

• Serotonin syndrome—a rare, but potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when there’s too much serotonin in the brain

• Severe allergic reactions

• Abnormal bleeding

• Seizures or convulsions

• Manic episodes

• Changes in appetite or weight

• Low sodium levels in the blood

• Visual problems or glaucoma

• Irregular heartbeat—this can be life-threatening

If any of the above concern you, speak with your doctor or pharmacist about your perceived risk and other treatment options that exist.

*A boxed warning is the most serious type of medication warning assigned by the FDA.