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Prozac Alternatives

If side effects occur or your condition cannot be treated with Prozac, alternatives to the medication may be recommended by your healthcare provider. There are a number of other methods for treating depression, including therapy, electroconvulsive therapy, alternative therapies, and other antidepressants. Other SSRIs, SNRIs, and MAOIs can all be used as Prozac alternatives in treating depression.

 

Prozac Alternatives: An Overview

Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription medication used for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder. Prozac is part of a group of antidepressant medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
 
For most people, Prozac is effective in treating their symptoms, and most people tolerate it well. However, as with all medicines, side effects can occur or the medicine may not adequately control a patient's symptoms. Fortunately, there are several alternatives to Prozac for depression treatment, including:
 
  • Therapy
  • Other depression medications (also known as antidepressants)
  • Electroconvulsive therapy
  • Alternative (natural) therapies.
     
(This article describes alternatives to Prozac for the treatment of depression. For information on Prozac alternatives for other medical conditions, see OCD Treatment, Treatment for Bulimia, or Panic Attack Treatment.)

 

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Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;