Prozac online prescriptions

Prozac works by preventing the reabsorption (reuptake) of the chemical serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for mood regulation, emotional responses, anxiety levels, sleep, appetite, and regulating body temperature. By maintaining higher levels of serotonin, Prozac helps stabilize mood, alleviate anxiety, and reduce the intensity of symptoms associated with conditions like OCD and panic disorder.

A meta-analysis found that compared to treatment with a placebo, fluoxetine resulted in a 15 to 20% improvement in depressive symptoms. 

Prozac’s effects usually become noticeable within 2 to 4 weeks. But it may take as long as 8 weeks before you feel its full benefits.

Prozac and generic fluoxetine capsules come in 10-, 20-, and 40-milligrams strengths. Fluoxetine tablets come in 10- and 20-milligrams strengths. The delayed-release fluoxetine capsule comes in a 90-milligram strength. The liquid fluoxetine solution comes in a 20 milligrams/5 milliliters dose in a 100-milliliter bottle. 

Capsules, available in higher doses, may be preferable to the lower-dose tablet in some cases. Additionally, if you have trouble swallowing a tablet or capsule, your provider may recommend the oral solution. 

The starting dose for managing PMDD, OCD, MDD, or generalized anxiety in adults taking immediate-release Prozac or fluoxetine is 20 milligrams taken in the morning. The starting dose for bulimia nervosa is 60 milligrams daily. The starting dose for panic disorder is 10 milligrams daily for one week, increased to 20 milligrams daily. The maximum recommended dose for any condition is 80 milligrams split into doses taken in the morning and at noon. Delayed-release fluoxetine is taken once a week and shouldn’t be started for 7 days after your last 20-milligram dose of immediate-release fluoxetine if you’re switching. 

Take fluoxetine or Prozac orally in the morning with or without food. If symptoms don’t improve with a daily dose of 20 milligrams, your doctor may gradually increase your dose. Daily doses over 20 milligrams should be divided by taking 1 dose in the morning and the other dose at noon. 

If you need to stop Prozac, your doctor or provider will have you gradually decrease your dose. Stopping Prozac suddenly can lead to withdrawal symptoms that include dysphoric mood, irritability, agitation, dizziness, sensory disturbances, anxiety, confusion, headache, lethargy, emotional lability, insomnia, and hypomania.  

Prozac is often compared to other SSRIs, including Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Celexa (citalopram). While all are FDA-approved for anxiety and depression, they have slightly different side effects and can have varying levels of effectiveness. In 1 comparison study, fluoxetine was found less effective than sertraline for depression. But another study of individuals with MDD reported that fluoxetine had the highest symptom improvement rate compared to sertraline and escitalopram. 

SSRIs are the first-line treatment for anxiety disorders. They take longer to work than other medications, like benzodiazepines (Xanax, Valium, etc.). But the increased risk of abuse of benzodiazepines can make SSRIs a better option for long-term anxiety management. 

Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs) and norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs) are other common alternatives to SSRIs for depression. They work to increase levels of other neurotransmitters, norepinephrine, and dopamine, along with serotonin. SNRIs, such as Effexor (venlafaxine) and Cymbalta (duloxetine), may also be effective, particularly for individuals with both anxiety and depression. 

Wellbutrin (bupropion), an NDRI, is primarily used for depression. Like SSRIs, NDRIs generally take longer to take effect than benzodiazepines but don’t carry the same risk of dependence.

Zoloft, Lexapro, Celexa, benzodiazepines, Effexor, Cymbalta, and Wellbutrin can cause side effects, some of which may be serious. Possible side effects include but are not limited to, nausea, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, insomnia, sweating, headache, and weight changes. 

The best way to find out which mental health medication is best for you, if any, is to talk to a licensed healthcare provider who specializes in depression treatment or treatment for anxiety or another condition and who can help you find one that works for you.