Most patient copays $0-$22
Why Blossom Health
Care that’s covered
All our psychiatrists take insurance.
Flexible Scheduling
Virtual visits make showing up easy.
Responsible prescribing
Medication, only as needed.
What we specialize in
The core mental health conditions we treat.
How it works
What is Fluoxetine (Prozac)?
Fluoxetine is a prescription antidepressant that belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Fluoxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin—a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, sleep, and appetite—available in the brain.
Unlike older antidepressants, fluoxetine specifically targets serotonin without significantly affecting other brain chemicals. This selective action typically results in fewer side effects compared to older medication classes like tricyclic antidepressants or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
When you take fluoxetine, it blocks the reuptake (reabsorption) of serotonin by nerve cells, allowing more of this mood-regulating chemical to remain active in the spaces between neurons. This increased serotonin activity can help improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate other symptoms of mental health conditions.
Uses and Conditions of Proazac
Fluoxetine has been extensively studied and approved by the FDA for treating several mental health conditions.
Major Depressive Disorder
Fluoxetine is considered a first-line treatment for depression, with research showing that people with depression experience significant improvement when taking SSRIs like fluoxetine.
Anxiety Disorders
Fluoxetine is FDA-approved for several anxiety conditions:
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): Recurrent, unwanted thoughts (obsessions) and repetitive behaviors (compulsions)
Panic Disorder: Recurrent panic attacks and fear of having more attacks
Bulimia Nervosa
Fluoxetine is the only antidepressant specifically FDA-approved for treating bulimia nervosa. Studies show that fluoxetine can significantly reduce binge-eating and purging behaviors in people with this eating disorder.
Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
Under the brand name Sarafem, fluoxetine is approved for treating PMDD, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome that causes significant mood disturbances and physical symptoms.
Bipolar I Disorder (Depressive Episodes)
In combination with olanzapine, fluoxetine is approved for treating depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder.
Off-Label Uses
Healthcare providers may also prescribe fluoxetine for conditions not officially FDA-approved, including:
Social anxiety disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Certain chronic pain conditions
Alternative Treatment Options
If fluoxetine isn't the right fit for you, numerous effective alternatives exist for treating depression and anxiety.
Other SSRI Medications
Sertraline (Zoloft): Approved for a broader range of anxiety disorders and often effective for PTSD.
Escitalopram (Lexapro): Studies suggest it may have slightly fewer side effects than fluoxetine for some people.
Paroxetine (Paxil): Effective for multiple anxiety disorders, though it may cause more discontinuation symptoms.
