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Prozac for Panic Disorders

 Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a medication approved to treat various conditions within the brain. Healthcare providers may prescribe it for panic disorders, depression, bulimia, and OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder). When used in combination with Zyprexa® (olanzapine), it is also approved for treating bipolar depression and treatment-resistant depression.
 
People with panic disorder have recurrent, unexpected feelings of extreme fear and dread that strike for no apparent reason, causing a racing heartbeat, rapid breathing, sweating, and shakiness. These "attacks" can send people to the hospital believing they are having a heart attack. A panic attack may even occur when the person is not in a situation that would normally create stress, anxiety, or fear.
 
This medication is approved for the treatment of panic disorder in adults. Panic disorder is a form of anxiety, and antidepressants (such as Prozac) are often useful in treating anxiety disorders. This medication has not been studied in children or teens with panic disorder and is not approved for this age group.
 
(Click Prozac Uses for more information about treating panic disorders with Prozac and to learn about possible off-label uses for this antidepressant.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;