Get Informed: Prozac
Active Ingredient(s)
Fluoxetine
What does it do?
This product is primarily used for the treatment of depression, as well as other conditions including panic, bulimia and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). It works by prolonging the effect of serotonin, an important chemical in the brain.
- Last Text Update:
- 2010-Mar-18 1:18 PM
- Last Data Update:
- 2010-Mar-17 9:01 PM
Other Names
- Prozac
- Fluoxetine
- Fluoxetine HCl
- Sarafem
- Fluoxetine Hydrochloride
- Oxactin
- Prozit
How Safe Is It?
- Your Risk Rating
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- Average Risk Rating
-
- Pregnancy Category:
- C
Black Box Warning
This product has a black box warning relating to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior when used in children, adolescents, and young adults with depression. If you are experiencing suicidal thoughts and behaviors, the following national suicide hotlines are available in the U.S. to help you: 1-800-SUICIDE (1-800-784-2433) and 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255)
Facts & Figures
- Date Approved
- 29 Dec 1987
- Est US Patients*
- 5,221,000
- Generic Available
- Yes
- OTC Available
- No
User Age Distribution*
< 21
21-39
40-59
60+
Age (Years)
* Estimated number of US people currently taking Prozac or its active ingredient based on population adjusted patient numbers registered with iGuard.org.
Recent alerts for Prozac
There have been no iGuard.org alerts regarding Prozac during the past year.
Prozac Safety Report
Learn more about iGuard's risk ratings
- Please login or register (it's free) so iGuard can check how Prozac interacts with other drugs and diseases in your profile.
What is Prozac used for?
iGuard is currently tracking more than 34,700 patients that use Prozac (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)). Use the table below to learn why iGuard users take this product; click on any underlined condition to get information on other medications used for treatment.
| Disease / Condition | % | Average Severity |
|---|---|---|
| Depression | 73% | 
|
| Anxiety | 39% |
|
| Bipolar Disorder | 7% |
|
| Menopausal Symptoms | 6% |
|
| Premenstrual Syndrome | 5% |
|
| Fibromyalgia | 3% |
|
| Other | 8% |
|
How well does Prozac work?
iGuard regularly polls our more than 34,700 users taking Prozac (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) using the Treatment Satisfaction Questionnaire for Medications (TSQM) . This feedback is continuously updated in tables below for the benefit of the iGuard community. To request scores for specific patient subgroups, please contact research@iguard.org.
Average Satisfaction Score
(out of 10)
Average Effectiveness Score
(out of 10)
- 91%
- of patients are confident that the good things about Prozac outweigh the bad things.
- 6%
- of patients wish they were told more before they started taking Prozac.
Common Side Effects of Prozac
iGuard regularly polls our more than 34,700 users taking Prozac (or similar drugs with the same active ingredient(s)) to monitor the development and frequency of side-effects. This feedback is continuously updated in tables and graphs below for the benefit of the iGuard community.
24% of patients experience side-effects on Prozac
1% of patients experience signifcant side-effects on Prozac
Most Common Side Effects...
-
Loss of Libido
-
Weight Gain
-
Drowsiness
-
Insomnia
-
Abdo Pain/Cramps
-
Loss of Appetite
-
Headache
-
= 10%
Less than 1%: Cold Sensitivity, Dizziness, Erectile Problems, Fatigue, Heat Sensitivity, Light Sensitivity, Muscle Pain/Cramps, Restlessness, Sweating, Tremor, Weight Loss
Global Patient Feedback for Prozac (Fluoxetine) ( Post a comment )
Question/Comment:
Prozac has saved my life. Once I got on it, (about 10 years ago), and was on it for about 6 weeks, I told my doctor "This is what I thought life was supposed to feel like!"
This isn't a drug that works immediately, it takes a few weeks. And it takes a few weeks to completely get out of your system if you stop.
I have never had any side effects. I know I am fortunate. Those of you out there who don't like Prozac, just remember. Not all drugs work, or work the same for all people!
Good Luck All
59 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-03-11 21:43:55
Question/Comment:
Could the 40 mg of Prozac for OCD and migraine prevention be related to the difficulty I have focusing my eyes? Does Prozac cause dry eye?
62 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-16 21:17:59
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Prozac can cause vision disturbances, including dry eyes. It can also cause blurred vision, inflammation, and an increase in intraocular pressure. This issue has been reported by a small percentage of patients, and it usually occurs early in treatment. As you continue your treatment, the symptoms should decrease and possibly go away. If they do not diminish, discuss it with your physician.
Posted: 2010-02-17 10:44:42
Question/Comment:
all anti depressive meds cause weight gain, no matter what the doctors say. My personal use caused me to gain weight and the doctor thought I was just plain crazy, saying it doesn't cause weight issues. I say yes it does, that in turn makes me more dperessed! I will continue to NOT ever listen to a doctor and take any kind of "depression" meds. I am not depressed until I gainweight, I Have severe PMS, they figure these meds can help that. Well to my knowledge it made it worse.My weight has declined since i don't comsume these awful meds.
Thanks for letting my opinion be heard.
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-15 21:57:15
Question/Comment:
I had been on 80mg of prozac for a few years and i didnt really notice a heck of alot. But when it stopped helping with my OCD
my dr. changed me over to zoloft, gosh what a difference!!!
I used to sweat so badly, i mean to the point where it was winter and i was just sitting there and my hair was so wet from sweat i looked like i just got out of the shower, it was horrible. I couldnt do anything or go anywhere nice because no matter what this happened. I mean i would be freezing and cold as ice but yet id still be sweating horribly. Dr's tried everything and nothing worked and after a few wweks of no prozac, damned if the sweating didnt stop.
37 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-11 15:18:58
Answer/Reply:
I have OCD as well and take 40 MG of Prozac and I too sweat all the time. I wonder if it is the Prozac!!!
36 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-02-11 19:26:54
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Sweating is a side effect of Prozac, reported by about 10% of patients that take it. Many iGuard patients, 91%, feel that the postive effects of Prozac outweigh the negative. If you are doing well otherwise on Prozac, be aware that this can happen and dress accordingly. If it is something that is affecting your quality of life, discuss your sweating with your physician.
Posted: 2010-02-17 12:32:14
Question/Comment:
I have been prescribed by a doctor 10mg of prozac two weeks of the month for PMS. I take Treximet for the headaches I get at the same time every month. I know the two drug have interaction so I was wondering has anyone taken prozac for a short time along with treximet and have you noticed any side effects?
44 year old Female – Source: iGuard United States
Posted: 2010-01-15 09:37:21
iGuard Answer/Reply:
Taking Prozac and Treximet together can cause serotonin syndrome, a very rare but serious condition. This syndrome can occur when taking these medications together for a short or long period of time. For most patients the benefits of the two medication will outweigh the risks. You can reduce the risk of serotonin syndrome by using the lowest dose of the two medications that treats your conditions. Although serotonin syndrome is rare, it is important to be aware of the symptoms and follow up with your doctor right away if any of them occur. Some symptoms of serotonin syndrome include: altered mental status, confusion, muscle twitching, poor muscle coordination, diarrhea, shivering, dilated pupils, sweating, higher blood pressure, and increased heart rate.
If you are still concerned about using these two medications, it would be best to discuss your treatment plan with your physician to weigh the risks of taking these medications together against the benefits you receive.
Posted: 2010-01-16 01:04:44
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Comments may be either questions or answers to previously posted questions. Any iGuard.org user may post questions and reply.
208
Patient Comments about
Prozac