Prozac
® (
fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a medication licensed for the treatment of
depression,
panic disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (
OCD), and
bulimia. It is available by prescription only and comes in both capsule and liquid form. There is also a tablet formulation, but it is available only as a generic (brand-name Prozac tablets are no longer manufactured).
Prozac belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It works by balancing the levels of serotonin (a specific chemical) in the brain. This action can help improve the symptoms of various conditions within the brain.
As with any medicine, side effects can occur with Prozac. However, not everyone who takes the
antidepressant will experience side effects. If side effects do occur, in most cases, they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated. Some of the most common side effects that have been reported with Prozac include drowsiness, nausea, and
diarrhea.
(Click Prozac to learn about the specific effects of Prozac, for more information on how this antidepressant works, and to find out what you should discuss with your healthcare provider before beginning treatment.)