How to Take Prozac: Side Effects, Dosage
How to take Prozac: dosage, common side effects, and precautions to discuss with your prescriber.
Not medical advice. Speak with a healthcare professional before using any medication.
Reviewed by:
Updated Feb, 15
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Information sourced from FDA-approved prescribing information and peer-reviewed medical references.
How to Take Prozac
How to Take Prozac
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, the following reflects standard dosing guidance for Prozac (fluoxetine). Always follow your prescriber's exact directions.
- Take it once daily, with or without food, per prescriber guidance. Morning is often preferred as fluoxetine may be activating for some people.
- Swallow capsules or tablets whole. Do not crush or split them.
- If using the liquid, measure the dose with a medication syringe or marked cup to ensure accuracy.
Typical Dosing
- Adults (most conditions): Per FDA-approved prescribing information, starting dose is typically 20 mg once daily. Doses may be adjusted gradually by your clinician, usually up to 40–60 mg daily if needed.
- Adults with panic disorder: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, often begin with 10 mg once daily for a week, then increase to 20 mg once daily.
- Children and teens with depression: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, 10 mg once daily for 1–2 weeks, then usually 20 mg once daily.
- Children with OCD: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, 10 mg once daily is typical for ages 7–17. Dose adjustments are made under clinician supervision.
Helpful Tips
- If you miss a dose: Take it when you remember the same day. If it is close to the next dose, skip the missed one — never double up.
- Take it consistently at the same time each day for the most consistent effect.
- Do not stop suddenly. Per FDA-approved prescribing information, always consult your clinician before any dose changes or discontinuation.
Warnings Before Taking Prozac
BLACK BOX WARNING (Per FDA-approved prescribing information): Fluoxetine and other antidepressants increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in patients aged 24 years and younger. Monitor closely for clinical worsening, suicidality, and unusual changes in behavior. Serotonin syndrome — a potentially life-threatening condition — may occur, especially with concomitant serotonergic drugs. Fluoxetine may increase the risk of bleeding. Hyponatremia has been reported. Activation of mania or hypomania may occur.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, tell your doctor about bipolar disorder, seizures, liver issues, or bleeding problems.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, avoid Prozac with MAOIs or certain migraine medications due to serotonin syndrome risk.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, discuss all medicines and supplements, especially blood thinners or other antidepressants.
- Per FDA-approved prescribing information, notify your clinician if pregnant or planning pregnancy.
Prozac Side Effects
common
Mild
Nausea
IMPORTANT: Per FDA-approved prescribing information, Prozac (fluoxetine) carries Black Box Warnings for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in patients 24 years and younger, serotonin syndrome, abnormal bleeding, hyponatremia, and activation of mania. Contact your prescriber immediately if you experience worsening mood, unusual behavior changes, or signs of serotonin syndrome.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, nausea is a commonly reported adverse effect of fluoxetine. It often improves as your body adjusts to the medication.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–6 hours
common
Mild
Headache
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, headache is a recognized adverse effect of fluoxetine, usually occurring early in treatment and often easing over the first weeks.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–12 hours
common
Moderate
Trouble Sleeping
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, insomnia is a recognized adverse effect of fluoxetine. Taking the dose in the morning may help for some patients.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
4–12 hours
common
Mild
Dry Mouth
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, dry mouth is a recognized adverse effect of fluoxetine. Sipping water and using sugar-free gum may provide relief.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–8 hours
common
Mild
Diarrhea
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, diarrhea is a recognized adverse effect of fluoxetine. Staying hydrated and eating light meals may help.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
2–10 hours
uncommon
Moderate
Feeling Restless
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, agitation or restlessness may occur, particularly early in treatment. Contact your prescriber if restlessness is severe or persistent, as this may require evaluation.
Per FDA-approved prescribing information. If symptoms persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider.
Normally lasts for:
1–6 hours
Contact Us for a Personalized Care Plan
Have questions about compounding? Contact Voshell's Pharmacy — we prepare patient-specific medications pursuant to valid prescriptions from your licensed prescriber.
What If You Forgot to Take Prozac
What If You Forgot to Take Prozac?
Per FDA-approved prescribing information, if you miss a dose of Prozac, take it as soon as you remember. If it is already close to your next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and return to your regular routine. Do not double up to make up for a forgotten dose, as this may increase side effects.
If missed doses happen often or your schedule is difficult to keep, contact your clinician about ways to make the routine easier.
What If You Took Too Much Prozac
What If You Took Too Much Prozac (Accidentally)?
Contact Poison Control at 1-800-222-1222 immediately. For children or if the person is unconscious or having seizures, call 911 or seek emergency medical care at once.
- Signs of serotonin syndrome (agitation, rapid heart rate, high temperature, muscle twitching, seizures) or cardiac arrhythmias require emergency medical care immediately — call 911.
- Do not take any additional doses until you have spoken with Poison Control or a clinician.
- If you feel unwell — including unusual restlessness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, or muscle stiffness — seek emergency care.
- Keep this and all medications out of reach of children.
How Much Does Prozac Cost
How Much Does Prozac Cost With Insurance?
With most insurance plans, Prozac (fluoxetine) is often placed on a lower-cost tier because it is available as a generic. Actual out-of-pocket costs vary by plan, formulary tier, and deductible status. Contact your insurance plan or pharmacy for your exact copay amount.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy or insurance plan for current pricing.
How Much Does Prozac Cost without Insurance
How Much Does Prozac Cost Without Insurance?
The price varies depending on the pharmacy and whether you choose brand name or generic. Prozac contains fluoxetine as its active ingredient; a generic version is available at most pharmacies. Contact your local pharmacy for current pricing on both generic fluoxetine and brand-name Prozac. Pharmacy discount programs may help reduce costs.
Pricing information is subject to change. Contact your pharmacy for current pricing.
