Prozac, also known as fluoxetine, is the selective SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) antidepressant. It affects the brain’s chemical that can get out of balance causing anxiety, panic, depression or even obsessive-compulsive symptoms. Prozac has been used by many people across the globe to cure OCD, PMDD (Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder), panic disorder, eating disorder (bulimia nervosa), or depressive disorder.
Sometimes, it is used along with other medications to fight against depression, which was caused by manic depression (bipolar disorder). There are important things to note before taking Prozac since it may lead to unwanted results. Do not use this drug if you are also taking thioridazine or pimozide, or if using methylene blue injection treatment. Younger individuals usually have thoughts of suicide when they first take any antidepressant. Your physician should check you every time you visit while you are on Prozac.
Fluoxetine belongs to SSRI class which are effective for raising the serotonin content in a person’s brain. Avoid using Prozac whenever you have taken a MAO inhibitor within 14 days. It may lead to a harmful drug interaction. Remember that MAO inhibitors can be phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, rasagiline, linezolid, and selegiline. Whenever you take this antidepressant, your caregivers or family must be aware of the changes in your symptoms or mood.
Prozac Cost Information
The price of Prozac may vary depending on the quantity, dosage, insurance and even the pharmacy that sells this product. These prices are shown without insurance and if you have prescription insurance, you should call the particular pharmacy to verify the exact price.
Dosage | Quantity | Price Without Insurance |
CVS Pharmacy |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $229.23 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $235.10 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $464.46 |
Kmart |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $226.89 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $232.70 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $459.42 |
Kroger |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $227.16 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $232.97 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $459.69 |
Publix |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $228.73 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $232.97 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $459.69 |
Rite Aid |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $229.48 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $235.35 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $464.71 |
Target |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $227.01 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $232.82 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $455.99 |
Walgreens |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $228.98 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $234.85 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $464.21 |
Walmart |
| 10mg | 30 tablets | $222.05 |
| 20mg | 30 tablets | $227.75 |
| 40mg | 30 tablets | $450.51 |
Short-Term Side Effects
Even if Prozac belongs to the most popular antidepressants that are prescribed in US, many individuals are still unfamiliar with its side effects. This drug may cause adverse side effects to patients. Some short term side effects can be skin rashes, appetite loss, insomnia, seizures, nausea, vomiting, chest pain, dry mouth and hypothyroidism.
These side effects may vary depending on the person taking this medication. If you experience worsening or new symptoms, do not hesitate to report it to your physician. You may experience behavior or mood changes, suicidal thoughts, or even feelings of agitation, aggressiveness, depression, hostility, impulsiveness, hyper-activeness, or restless.
Long-Term Side Effects
There are medical experts who believe that fluoxetine has been a neurotransmitter selective inhibitor. Thus, it has less long term side effects compared to many antidepressant medications. Bear in mind that the side effects after taking Prozac may not be experienced by all individuals. And most of the time, these are only temporary effects. They usually subside and completely disappear after stopping the use of this medication.
Interactions
There are various drugs that can interact with Prozac. It is important to understand them to ensure success in treating your condition. These are the following:
- Digoxin
- Benzodiazepines
- Antipsychotics
- Aspirin
- Alcohol
- Tricyclic antidepressants
- St. John’s wort
- Dextromethorphan
- NSAIDs or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
- Lithium
- Clopidogrel
- Thioridazine
- Tryptophan
- Vinblastine
- Tramadol
- MAO inhibitors
- Nefazodone
- Other SSRIs
How It Works
Prozac is primarily used as an antidepressant. People have to take this medication just as the doctor prescribed. Prozac also acts on chemicals in the brain called serotonin. It is part of the chemicals responsible for sending messages from a single nerve cell to another. This medication blocks the serotonin reuptake, thus, there will be more remains found in the area between the nerve cells of the brain. It provides serotonin a greater chance to activate the receptors found on the other nerve cells. As a result, it can treat some symptoms of different conditions like bulimia, OCD, depression and panic disorder.
Generic Alternatives
Prozac is a brand name medication of the generic drug, fluoxetine. If you want a cheaper alternative, consider finding fluoxetine or similar generic medication.
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