Prozac has a
Highlights
- Prozac, also known as fluoxetine, is a commonly prescribed antidepressant. It is part of the family of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
- Fluoxetine is available through a prescription from an in-person visit or an online consultation with a healthcare provider.
- Fluoxetine is FDA-approved for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, or panic disorder in adults and sometimes children. There are also some off-label uses.
- While commonly prescribed, fluoxetine has specific side effects that each person should be aware of before starting treatment.
Brand name: Prozac
Generic name: Fluoxetine
Drug class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Dosage forms: Oral solution, tablet, capsule, and delayed-release capsule
FDA-approved uses: Major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder (with or without agoraphobia), bulimia nervosa, depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I disorder, and treatment-resistant depression
Prozac (generic name: fluoxetine) is commonly prescribed for the treatment of depression and some other conditions. You can get a Prozac prescription during an in-person consultation with your healthcare provider or through online platforms like MEDvidi.
While being prescribed an antidepressant is relatively common, it is important to do so in the right manner: you have to see a qualified healthcare professional and start with a detailed health assessment for an accurate diagnosis and safe and effective treatment. Below, we’ll review how to get a prescription for Prozac online if you think it may be the right option for you.
What Is Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Prozac, or fluoxetine, is a prescription-only medication belonging to the class called
- Depression
- OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder)
- Bulimia nervosa
- Panic disorder
These are the FDA-approved indications for Prozac. Fluoxetine is also approved for use with olanzapine to treat certain types of depression with bipolar disorder or depression that is considered resistant. Sometimes, a medical provider will use fluoxetine to treat other conditions — this is known as off-label treatment.
Who Might Need Prozac?
When diagnosed with a mental health condition, there are many options for treatment, including any combination of talk therapy (like cognitive-behavioral therapy) and/or medication. Your provider may want you to try lifestyle changes and therapy first or begin treatment with medication right away.
However, there may also be many reasons to start treatment with fluoxetine. This decision will depend on each person’s individual diagnosis, other conditions, and severity of symptoms. Often, treatment with medication is started when symptoms of a condition are having a significant and negative impact on a person’s day-to-day life.
Note that any treatment with medication comes with health risks, and a full assessment of health history and current other medications should be a part of starting treatment with fluoxetine.
How to Get Prozac
When you consider getting professional help, finding a qualified provider is the first step in that process. You may see different healthcare professionals, including but not limited to the following:
- Doctor
- Physician
- Psychiatrist
- Licensed clinical social worker
- Physician’s assistant
- Nurse practitioner
- Primary care physician
During an in-person or an online appointment, your medical provider will evaluate your overall health to determine if you need to get prescribed Prozac or any other medication. They will take into consideration health history and other current treatments to determine the best course of action. The best treatment for you is one that is safe and that will be effective.
Online platforms like MEDvidi can be a convenient and cost-effective way to get care: our medical providers are experienced and legally allowed to prescribe antidepressants online.
Here are the next steps to take once you’ve chosen MEDvidi to support your mental health journey.
1. Sign Up and Book an Appointment
- Create an account and fill out basic forms.
- Book an appointment with a healthcare provider; time slots within 24 hours are also available.
2. See a Healthcare Provider and Get Treatment Recommendations
- Attend your appointment and be prepared to cover your symptoms, health history, family history, current treatments or medications, and lifestyle.
- Ask questions about any treatment concerns; be sure you understand what your provider is intending for your treatment.
- Before getting a fluoxetine prescription online, ask about drug interactions, serious risks, what to expect during treatment, cost estimates, lifestyle changes, and intended length of treatment.
- MEDvidi’s medical team will make every effort to address your concerns. Still, if you feel uncertain, do not be afraid to seek a second opinion. You should feel heard and supported throughout care and treatment.
3. Receive a Prescription and Pick-Up Medication From Pharmacy
- If you qualify for pharmacological treatment and get Prozac prescribed online, make sure your healthcare provider sends your prescription to the intended pharmacy.
- Contact your pharmacy to ensure they received your prescription. At that time, you can provide insurance information if needed and ask for price estimates.
- Once you have the medication, begin treatment and follow the prescription instructions exactly.
- Some medications like fluoxetine will start with a small dose followed by an increase within the first week, this is where regular consultations with your provider are necessary.
4. Follow-Ups and Refills
- Attend all follow-up appointments to ensure proper monitoring and continued safe treatment.
- Be sure to record any and all changes you feel once treatment has begun. You should be able to describe positive changes and any side effects, including what they were, when they happened, and how severe they were.
- Alert your provider if there are any issues with your prescription, or if you feel you cannot continue treatment for any reason.
- Do not stop taking fluoxetine on your own. Alert your provider and they can provide specific instructions on how to safely stop the medication.
- Pick up refills when needed to avoid running out of medication. Remember your pharmacy may need a few days to process your prescription.
Questions to Ask During the Consultation
During your appointment, your healthcare provider will ask lots of questions to understand your current health situation. You should be prepared to discuss your medical history, other treatments you have tried in the past, current medications, and anything else pertaining to your diagnosis.
The following are some questions you can ask at your appointment to get a better understanding of your diagnosis and treatment:
- What is my diagnosis?
- How long can I expect to take fluoxetine?
- Will fluoxetine interact with other medications I am taking?
- What should I do if I want to stop taking fluoxetine?
- How much will treatment cost?
- Can I drink alcohol with fluoxetine?
- How do I know fluoxetine is working?
- What are some common side effects I can expect to feel?
- Are there serious side effects I should be aware of?
We know that sometimes, discussing your health or mental health can be uncomfortable. Do your best to be open, transparent, and truthful. Your health information is confidential, and your medical provider needs all the information possible to treat you safely and effectively.
How to Use Fluoxetine Safely
Usually, patients will receive a prescription for
Your medical provider will likely start with a small dose and increase your dose slowly over a week or two to your maintenance dose. This slow increase in the beginning will help your body acclimate to the medication and hopefully lessen any initial side effects felt. It is important to follow the directions exactly to ensure safe treatment.
The medication should start to take effect in a couple of weeks, with full effect being felt usually between 6 to 8 weeks. Most patients can expect to feel side effects in the first days to weeks of starting fluoxetine.
Once you have started taking fluoxetine it is very important not to stop taking it without directions from your healthcare provider. The longer you are taking fluoxetine, the more
Side Effects and Risks
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Indigestion
- Weakness
- Feeling tired
- Abnormal dreams
- Trouble sleeping or insomnia
- Decreased appetite
- Nervousness
- Rash, watery nasal discharge
- Sweating
- Tremor (shakes)
- Hot flashes
- Orgasm problems
Changes in sexual function[5] - Difficulty maintaining an erection
Fluoxetine often causes
Severe side effects of Prozac include the following:
- For patients 24 or younger, risk of suicidal thoughts.
- Severe joint pain.
- An allergic reaction: swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs; rash, hives, blisters, or itching; shortness of breath or difficulty breathing or swallowing.
- Serotonin syndrome: agitation, fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
- Fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat.
- Seizures.
- Abnormal bleeding or bruising.
These side effects of Prozac are rare but very serious and require medical attention. If you recognize any of these symptoms it is important to seek medical help right away by calling 911. Most often these serious side effects happen when first starting Prozac or when your doctor increases your dose. Certain serious side effects can also happen if you start taking certain new medications while on Prozac. Your doctor may also run some tests before and during Prozac treatment if you have certain risk factors that could lead to serious side effects.
If you are experiencing a health crisis, call 911 or seek emergency care, do not wait days or weeks to address a serious medical concern.
Drug Interactions and Precautions
When starting treatment with fluoxetine, it is important to disclose all of your prescription and over-the-counter medications and recreational drugs or alcohol to your provider. This can help them prescribe the best and safest dose for you.
Many medications are affected by fluoxetine or can change how well fluoxetine works. The following are some of the most significant interactions with fluoxetine and should be avoided:
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors or MAOIs
- Warfarin
St. John’s Wort[6] - Lithium
- Tramadol
- Alcohol
- Recreational drugs
- Other antidepressant medications like SSRIs or SNRIs
- Other non-prescription medications
- Migraine medications that are part of the triptans drug class
Certain medications can affect how Prozac works in your body. Some medications may stop Prozac from working as well, while others may increase its side effects. It is important to check with your care team before starting any new medications while taking Prozac and tell them all of the medications you currently take. This important conversation can prevent side effects and ensure the continued safe use of Prozac.
There are also
- Clinical worsening and suicide risk, especially patients 24 years and younger
- Serotonin syndrome
- Allergic reactions
- Development of bipolar disorder or manic/hypomanic episodes
- Seizures
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Abnormal bleeding
- Low salt levels in the blood
- Development of anxiety and insomnia
- Cognitive and motor impairment
Rebound symptoms upon abrupt discontinuation[7]
Cost and Insurance Coverage
Prozac is the brand name medication and fluoxetine is the generic name. The brand name is only made by one company and often is much more expensive than generic versions. Note that the brand medication Prozac has been discontinued, so generic fluoxetine will most often be what you receive from a pharmacy.
The cost of fluoxetine may vary based on the dosage and supply you are prescribed, the exact pharmacy, your location, and others. Typically,
- If you have insurance, you should find out which pharmacies are in-network to receive the lowest price. Be aware that sometimes you may have an insurance deductible that can contribute to the price of your prescription.
- If you are getting Prozac without insurance, you can still have a prescription filled, just alert the pharmacy. Many websites offer discounts for prescriptions. You can also ask your pharmacy for help with copay coupons. Since prices vary by location, it would be best to ask a few places for the price of your prescription.
Prices are provided as of June 2025 and are subject to change. The information is for general reference only and does not constitute medical or financial advice.
Alternatives to Prozac
Fluoxetine is one of many SSRI medications and one of even more antidepressants. If after a few weeks or months of treatment, you or your healthcare provider determine fluoxetine is not the right fit, you may need to change medications. This change may be due to significant side effects, interactions with other medications, cost, or persistent symptoms of your condition.
An alternative choice can be another SSRI like citalopram or sertraline or another medication altogether, such as an SNRI (serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor), an atypical antidepressant, an MAOI, or something else. No two changes are the same: if changing medications, be sure to follow your doctor’s directions exactly. You may need to slowly stop fluoxetine while overlapping with the new medication to avoid certain side effects.
Conclusion
You can get fluoxetine prescribed online if your healthcare provider determines that it’s the most suitable treatment for you based on your health assessment.
Frequently Asked Questions
No, Prozac is a prescription-only medication. It is illegal and unsafe to get Prozac without a prescription, even from someone you know. To protect yourself, always get Prozac via a prescription through a reliable pharmacy either in-person or by mail order.
Yes, but only with a prescription. A prescription for Prozac can be filled online at one of many mail-order pharmacies. You can check with your insurance for an in-network online pharmacy. Remember, even online, you should still be required to provide a prescription.
Who can prescribe fluoxetine varies by state. Feel free to ask your provider for their license number, credentials, and if they are authorized to prescribe. If you are getting care virtually, be sure that the provider you see can prescribe specifically for patients in your state. If you use MEDvidi services, you are connected with a medical provider authorized to prescribe medication online in your state if deemed clinically necessary.
Yes as long as all laws are followed. Sometimes, a medical professional may not be able to write prescriptions outside of their state. Additionally, some insurance may require you to see a provider in your state of residence. Always check first to avoid extra charges or changes in insurance status.
While possible, this is often not done. Treatment should always be initiated with a medical provider who can see you for follow-up appointments and monitor your health dynamics all the way through. Occasionally, an urgent care professional may provide a prescription for one month, for example, if you are traveling. In this case, notify your provider, at least by leaving a message on the on-call line. Additionally, some states allow pharmacists to dispense a limited supply of this medication for maintenance treatment under specific circumstances. However, note that such cases are exceptions rather than common practice.
At this time no. If your pharmacy alerts you of a shortage, let your healthcare provider know as soon as possible. You may be able to take two of a smaller strength as a substitute. Additionally, your provider may want to change you to an alternative SSRI if the shortage is significant and may last months.
