Precautions
What will fluoxetine do to you?
Fluoxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin (a natural substance) in your brain. Serotonin helps maintain mental health balance. An increase in serotonin helps to treat symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and panic attacks.
Does fluoxetine help with anxiety and stress?
Prozac (fluoxetine) is a popular antidepressant medication that's been around since the 1980s. It is approved to treat panic disorders — a type of anxiety disorder, but doctors also often prescribe Prozac to treat other types of anxiety as well.
Is fluoxetine the same as Xanax?
Xanax (alprazolam) and Prozac (fluoxetine) are used to treat anxiety and panic disorders. Prozac is used off-label for anxiety. Prozac is primarily used to treat depression, bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Xanax and Prozac belong to different drug classes.
Is fluoxetine a powerful drug?
Prozac and Zoloft are powerful prescription medications used to treat depression and other issues. They're both brand-name drugs. The generic version of Prozac is fluoxetine, while the generic version of Zoloft is sertraline hydrochloride. Both drugs are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
Does fluoxetine calm you down?
Fortunately, there are several prescription medications available for patients who need help managing their symptoms. Prozac (fluoxetine) is one of several antidepressant medications that can be a great option for treating anxiety.
What does fluoxetine feel like when it starts working?
As Prozac begins to work, you may notice increases in your energy levels. In some cases, it may cause symptoms of mania in some people taking this medication. Symptoms of mania include high energy levels, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and irritability.
Is fluoxetine a happy pill?
The original “happy pill” was fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac. This medication, approved for use in 1987, was the first drug of its kind to be prescribed and marketed on a large scale. The use of this medication is very common, especially for the treatment of depression, but it is not without its risks.
Does fluoxetine cause weight gain?
What medications cause weight gain? Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants , and mood stabilizers are common drugs that have the most potential to increase weight gain. All 12 of the leading antidepressants, including fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and escitalopram (Lexapro), make gaining weight more likely.
Does fluoxetine suppress your appetite?
Clinical trials in overweight, depressed patients and in nondepressed obese subjects have shown the ability of fluoxetine to reduce body weight in humans. Fluoxetine may represent a new appetite suppressant drug that will be useful in the management of obesity.
What can you not mix with fluoxetine?
What Other Medications May Interact With Fluoxetine? Fluoxetine should not be taken with or within 6 weeks of taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). These include phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), rasagiline (Azilect®), and selegiline (Emsam®).
How long does it take for fluoxetine to work?
You may see an improvement in your symptoms after around 1 to 2 weeks, although it usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks before you feel the full benefits. That's because it takes around a week for fluoxetine levels to build up in your body, and then a few weeks longer for your body to adapt and get used to it.
When is the best time to take fluoxetine?
You'll usually take fluoxetine once a day, with or without food. You can take fluoxetine at any time, but it's best to stick to the same time every day. If you have trouble sleeping, try taking it in the morning.
How long does it take for fluoxetine to work for anxiety?
Prozac (active ingredient: fluoxetine) is a commonly prescribed SSRI for anxiety. Prozac takes between two and six weeks to take effect and needs to be continued for at least six months to a year.
How long before Prozac works for anxiety?
This includes frequency of panic attacks, anticipatory anxiety, and avoidance. But for many people, it can take up to 4 to 6 weeks of treatment with Prozac. If you don't notice any symptom improvement after 6 weeks, your healthcare provider may recommend increasing your dose or switching to another medication.
Is Prozac better for anxiety or depression?
Few studies directly compare Zoloft and Prozac in treating anxiety. However, they appear to be equally effective in improving anxiety in studies involving depression. One study that compared the 2 for treatment of major depression found that the drugs both improved symptoms in patients, including anxiety.
How long does it take fluoxetine to work?
You may see an improvement in your symptoms after around 1 to 2 weeks, although it usually takes between 4 and 6 weeks before you feel the full benefits. That's because it takes around a week for fluoxetine levels to build up in your body, and then a few weeks longer for your body to adapt and get used to it.