Fluoxetine (Prozac®) Capsules and Tablets for Depression and Anxiety

What Fluoxetine Is and How It Works

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is available as capsules and tablets in several strengths, including 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg. Many adults start with fluoxetine 20 mg once daily. Fluoxetine increases serotonin levels by blocking its reabsorption in the brain. It is taken by mouth and is usually dosed once daily.

YouDrugstore is a licensed Canadian pharmacy headquartered in Manitoba that meets Canadian pharmacy standards. Our pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing, and you can order online or by phone during posted office hours.

We also work with licensed, vetted partner pharmacies abroad to source authentic brands and a wide range of medicines at fair, accessible prices.

Dosage and Usage

Follow your prescriber’s instructions and the pharmacy label. Typical guidance includes:

• Depression: start 20 mg once daily in the morning. Some start 10 mg daily for a week, then increase to 20 mg.
• Panic disorder: start 10 mg daily for one week, then 20 mg. Usual range 20–60 mg daily.
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder: usual range 20–60 mg daily. Titrate gradually as tolerated.
• Bulimia nervosa: 60 mg once daily is commonly used.
• PMDD: 20 mg daily continuously, or 20 mg daily during the luteal phase starting about 14 days before menses.
• Older adults or those with liver impairment may need lower doses or slower titration.
• Do not use with MAOIs. Allow at least 14 days after stopping an MAOI before starting fluoxetine. Wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting an MAOI.
• Take with or without food. Morning dosing may help if insomnia occurs; evening dosing may help if drowsy.

Missed dose:

• If you miss a dose, take it when remembered the same day.
• If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed dose.
• Do not take two doses at once.

Storage and travel:

• Store at room temperature, about 15–30°C, in a dry place.
• Keep in the original container with the label.
• Protect from moisture and excess heat.
• When traveling, keep medicine in your carry-on and pack extra days of supply.

Benefits and Savings

Fluoxetine is well studied for depression and anxiety-related conditions. It can reduce low mood, intrusive thoughts, compulsions, panic symptoms, and binge-purge episodes. Many people see improved energy, sleep, and function over time. Once-daily dosing supports adherence. The long half-life may lower the risk of discontinuation symptoms compared with some SSRIs.

You can access brand and generic options at Canadian prices through YouDrugstore. Typical savings are about 60–80% compared with usual US retail pricing, depending on strength and quantity. Customer-service chat is available during posted office hours if you have ordering questions. Pharmacists are available to address medication questions.

Side Effects and Safety

Most side effects are mild and improve as treatment continues. Serious effects can occur, so seek medical help if symptoms are severe or worsening.

• Common: nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, decreased appetite, indigestion, headache, sweating, tremor, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia or sleepiness, fatigue, and sexual side effects.
• Less common: rash, dizziness, weight change, blurred vision.
• Serious: serotonin syndrome (agitation, confusion, sweating, fever, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness), severe allergic reaction, seizures, manic or hypomanic symptoms, suicidal thoughts or behavior (especially in young people), low sodium with confusion, abnormal bleeding, angle-closure glaucoma, and heart rhythm changes including QT prolongation.

Important interactions include MAOIs, linezolid, and methylene blue (contraindicated). Use caution with other serotonergic drugs such as triptans, tramadol, lithium, St. John’s wort, and other SSRIs/SNRIs. Fluoxetine can increase bleeding risk with NSAIDs, aspirin, and anticoagulants. It inhibits CYP2D6, which can affect drugs like tamoxifen, some antipsychotics, tricyclics, and codeine. Do not combine with thioridazine or pimozide. Discuss pregnancy, breastfeeding, glaucoma risk, seizure history, and bipolar disorder with a clinician.

Onset Time

Some improvement may appear within 1–2 weeks. It can take 4–6 weeks to see the full antidepressant effect. OCD and panic disorder may require 8–12 weeks or longer at a therapeutic dose. PMDD symptoms may improve in the first treatment cycle, especially with luteal-phase dosing.

Compare With Alternatives

Several antidepressants may be considered based on symptoms and tolerability. Escitalopram is another SSRI often chosen for depression and generalized anxiety. It is typically taken once daily and may be well tolerated. For treatment-resistant depression, older options such as Nardil® (a monoamine oxidase inhibitor) can be effective, but require dietary restrictions and careful monitoring.

Other alternatives include sertraline, venlafaxine, and bupropion. Choice depends on symptom profile, side effects, interactions, and past response. Your prescriber can help select the best option and dose.

Combination Therapy

Combining medication with psychotherapy can increase response. Cognitive behavioral therapy is effective for depression, panic disorder, and OCD. Augmentation strategies for depression may include bupropion, buspirone, mirtazapine, lithium, or certain atypical antipsychotics. For PMDD, selective oral contraceptives are sometimes combined with an SSRI. Avoid combining fluoxetine with MAOIs or other drugs that significantly raise serotonin without medical supervision.

Patient Suitability and Cost-Saving Tips

Fluoxetine may suit adults with major depression, panic disorder, OCD, PMDD, or bulimia nervosa. It is not a mood stabilizer and is not used for acute mania. Dose adjustments may be needed for older adults or people with liver impairment. Those with seizure disorders, bleeding risks, glaucoma, or bipolar spectrum disorders need careful evaluation.

To lower cost, you can order a multi-month supply when appropriate, which can reduce the per-month price. You can also set up gentle reorder reminders so you do not run out. Explore condition pages like Depression and Anxiety for more context. For in-depth reading, see our articles Fluoxetine For Anxiety How It Boosts Mood And Reduces Worry and What Are The Best Medications For Depression.

Authoritative Sources

Review official product information for detailed safety and dosing guidance:

• Eli Lilly Prozac Prescribing Information
• FDA Label for Prozac
• Health Canada Drug Product Database

You can order fluoxetine at Canadian prices from YouDrugstore. Our licensed pharmacists review prescriptions before dispensing. We offer brand and generic options, clear support, and prompt, express, cold-chain shipping to the US.

This information is educational and not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider about diagnosis, treatment choices, dosing, and potential interactions before starting or changing any medicine.