Fluoxetine - Prozac

Depression, OCD, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. It's the preferred SSRI for children and adolescents with depression (the only one recommended by NICE for under-18s).

Fluoxetine blocks serotonin reuptake, like other SSRIs. Its uniquely long half-life (2--6 days, with an active metabolite lasting even longer) means steady blood levels and a smoother experience than shorter-acting SSRIs.

Adults and young people (over 8 for depression, over 6 for OCD). Preferred SSRI for younger patients. Also suitable for people who've struggled with withdrawal symptoms from other SSRIs. Not suitable with MAOIs.

Order online and we review your request. A prescriber checks your consultation form for clinical appropriateness and contacts you if anything else is needed. Once approved, your medication is dispensed and delivered to your door.

Tracked: Tracked delivery, arrives tomorrow - Free

When it arrives: Every order is sent tracked. Where this page says in post today, it goes out today. Where it says in post tomorrow, it goes out the next working day. On the rare occasions a medicine is unavailable, we will contact you to talk about timing and alternatives.

We dispense clinically equivalent generic medications where available. Prices shown are for the generic version. If you prefer the branded version, let us know in your order form and we will confirm any price difference.

Fluoxetine from £20.99 per pack.

Common: nausea, headache, insomnia or drowsiness, dizziness, dry mouth, diarrhoea, sexual dysfunction (reduced libido, difficulty reaching orgasm). These often improve after the first 1-2 weeks. Uncommon: weight changes, sweating, tremor. Rare but serious: serotonin syndrome (agitation, confusion, rapid heart rate, high temperature) - seek immediate help.

Do not take with or within 14 days of MAOIs (risk of serotonin syndrome). Use with caution in bipolar disorder (may trigger mania), epilepsy, bleeding disorders, and severe hepatic impairment.

Do not combine with MAOIs or other serotonergic drugs (triptans, tramadol, St John's Wort, other antidepressants) - risk of serotonin syndrome. NSAIDs and anticoagulants: increased bleeding risk. Fluoxetine and paroxetine inhibit CYP2D6 - can increase levels of tamoxifen, codeine effects reduced.

Discuss with your doctor - the decision depends on the severity of your condition. SSRIs in late pregnancy may cause temporary withdrawal symptoms in the newborn. Paroxetine specifically has a slightly higher risk of cardiac malformations - sertraline is generally preferred in pregnancy. Present in breast milk in small amounts.

Take once daily in the morning (it can be slightly activating). 20mg is the standard starting dose. Can take 4--6 weeks for full effect. Longer half-life means fewer withdrawal issues but also means it stays in your system longer after stopping. Can interact with many other medications - tell your doctor about everything you take.