What are the different strengths of Prozac available. How does dosage vary for different conditions. What are the common side effects of Prozac. Is there a generic version of Prozac available. How should Prozac be taken for maximum effectiveness.

Understanding Prozac: An Overview of Its Uses and Forms

Prozac, a widely prescribed antidepressant, is utilized in the treatment of various mental health conditions. Its active ingredient, fluoxetine, belongs to a class of medications known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Prozac is available in capsule form and comes in three distinct strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, and 40 mg.

This medication is approved for use in both adults and children, depending on the specific condition being treated. In adults, Prozac is prescribed for:

• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Depression
• Depression related to bipolar I disorder (in combination with olanzapine)
• Treatment-resistant depression (in combination with olanzapine)
• Bulimia nervosa

For children, Prozac’s approved uses include:

• OCD
• Depression
• Depression related to bipolar I disorder (in combination with olanzapine)

Prozac Dosages: Tailoring Treatment to Individual Needs

The dosage of Prozac varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response. Healthcare providers typically start with a low dose and gradually adjust it to achieve the optimal therapeutic effect. Here’s a breakdown of the usual dosages for different conditions in adults:

Panic Disorder

Initial dosage: 10 mg per day
Recommended dosage: 20 mg per day
Usual daily range: 10 mg to 60 mg
Maximum recommended dosage: 60 mg

Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)

Starting dosage: 20 mg per day
Usual daily range: 20 mg to 60 mg
Maximum recommended dosage: 80 mg per day

Depression

Typical dosage: 20 mg per day
Usual daily range: 20 mg to 80 mg
Maximum recommended dosage: 80 mg per day

Depression Related to Bipolar I Disorder

Starting dosage: 20 mg per day
Usual daily range: 20 mg to 50 mg
Maximum recommended dosage: 50 mg per day
(Used in combination with olanzapine)

Treatment-Resistant Depression

Starting dosage: 20 mg per day
Usual daily range: 20 mg to 50 mg
Maximum recommended dosage: 50 mg per day
(Used in combination with olanzapine)

Bulimia Nervosa

Usual dosage: 60 mg per day
(May start with a lower dose and increase gradually)

Prozac for Children: Special Considerations and Dosages

When prescribing Prozac for children, healthcare providers take into account factors such as age, weight, and the specific condition being treated. The dosages for children differ from those for adults and require careful consideration.

OCD in Children

For children aged 7 years and older with OCD, the starting dosage is typically 10 mg per day. The dose may be increased to 20 mg per day after several weeks if clinically necessary. The maximum recommended dosage for children with OCD is 60 mg per day.

Depression in Children

For children aged 8 years and older with depression, the initial dosage is usually 10 mg per day. After one week, the dose may be increased to 20 mg per day. The maximum recommended dosage for children with depression is 20 mg per day.

Depression Related to Bipolar I Disorder in Children

For children aged 10 years and older with depression related to bipolar I disorder, Prozac is used in combination with olanzapine. The dosage is determined on an individual basis by the healthcare provider, considering the child’s age, weight, and response to treatment.

Side Effects of Prozac: What to Watch For

Like all medications, Prozac can cause side effects. While not everyone experiences them, it’s important to be aware of potential adverse reactions. Common side effects of Prozac include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Insomnia or changes in sleep patterns
• Drowsiness or fatigue
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Decreased appetite
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Sexual side effects (e.g., decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm)

Most side effects are mild and tend to improve as the body adjusts to the medication. However, if side effects persist or worsen, it’s crucial to consult with a healthcare provider.

Serious Side Effects

While rare, some serious side effects may occur with Prozac use. These include:

• Serotonin syndrome
• Suicidal thoughts or behaviors (particularly in young adults and adolescents)
• Allergic reactions
• Abnormal bleeding
• Seizures
• Manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder

If any of these serious side effects occur, immediate medical attention should be sought.

Generic Versions of Prozac: Availability and Effectiveness

Fluoxetine, the generic version of Prozac, is widely available and offers a more cost-effective alternative to the brand-name medication. Generic fluoxetine is approved by the FDA and contains the same active ingredient as Prozac, ensuring equivalent effectiveness and safety when used as directed.

Generic fluoxetine is available in various forms, including:

• Capsules (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg)
• Tablets
• Liquid solution
• Delayed-release capsules

The availability of different forms and strengths allows healthcare providers to tailor the treatment to individual patient needs and preferences.

Are generic versions as effective as brand-name Prozac?

Generic fluoxetine is required by the FDA to have the same active ingredient, strength, dosage form, and route of administration as brand-name Prozac. This ensures that generic versions are therapeutically equivalent to the brand-name drug. Studies have shown that generic fluoxetine is equally effective in treating depression and other approved conditions.

How to Take Prozac: Maximizing Effectiveness and Minimizing Side Effects

To ensure the best possible outcomes when taking Prozac, it’s important to follow the prescribed dosage and administration instructions carefully. Here are some key points to remember:

1. Take Prozac exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
2. Prozac can be taken with or without food, but consistency is important. If you choose to take it with food, do so every time to maintain consistent absorption.
3. Try to take Prozac at the same time each day to maintain a steady level of the medication in your system.
4. If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it’s almost time for your next scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.
5. Do not stop taking Prozac abruptly without consulting your healthcare provider. Sudden discontinuation can lead to withdrawal symptoms.
6. Be patient, as it may take several weeks to experience the full benefits of Prozac.
7. Avoid alcohol while taking Prozac, as it can increase the risk of certain side effects.
8. Inform your healthcare provider of all other medications, supplements, and herbal products you’re taking to avoid potential interactions.

Can Prozac be taken at night?

While Prozac can be taken at any time of day, some people find it beneficial to take it in the morning. This is because Prozac can cause insomnia in some individuals. However, if you experience drowsiness as a side effect, taking it at night might be more suitable. Consult with your healthcare provider to determine the best time for you to take Prozac based on your individual response and lifestyle.

Monitoring and Adjusting Prozac Treatment

Regular follow-ups with your healthcare provider are essential when taking Prozac. These appointments allow for monitoring of your progress, assessment of side effects, and adjustment of the dosage if necessary. During these visits, your healthcare provider may:

• Evaluate your symptoms and overall response to the medication
• Discuss any side effects you may be experiencing
• Assess your mental health status and any changes in mood or behavior
• Consider adjusting the dosage based on your response and tolerability
• Perform necessary blood tests to monitor your health
• Provide guidance on lifestyle modifications that may complement your treatment

How long does it take for Prozac to work?

While some people may notice improvements in sleep, appetite, or energy levels within the first 1-2 weeks of treatment, the full therapeutic effects of Prozac typically take 4-6 weeks to become apparent. It’s important to continue taking the medication as prescribed, even if you don’t feel immediate improvements. If you don’t notice any positive changes after 6-8 weeks, consult with your healthcare provider, as they may need to adjust your treatment plan.

Prozac and Pregnancy: Important Considerations

The use of Prozac during pregnancy requires careful consideration and should be discussed thoroughly with a healthcare provider. While some studies suggest potential risks associated with SSRI use during pregnancy, untreated depression can also pose risks to both mother and baby.

What are the potential risks of taking Prozac during pregnancy?

Some potential risks associated with Prozac use during pregnancy include:

• Increased risk of preterm birth
• Low birth weight
• Persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN)
• Neonatal adaptation syndrome (temporary symptoms in newborns such as jitteriness, feeding difficulties, and respiratory distress)

However, it’s important to note that the overall risk is relatively low, and many women have healthy pregnancies while taking Prozac. The decision to continue or discontinue Prozac during pregnancy should be made on an individual basis, weighing the potential risks and benefits for both mother and baby.

Can Prozac be used while breastfeeding?

Prozac is excreted in breast milk in small amounts. While many women successfully breastfeed while taking Prozac, it’s essential to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They can help you weigh the benefits of breastfeeding against any potential risks to the infant and make an informed decision based on your individual circumstances.

Long-term Use of Prozac: What to Expect

For many individuals, long-term use of Prozac is necessary to maintain symptom relief and prevent relapse. When used as directed under medical supervision, Prozac can be safely taken for extended periods. However, long-term use may require ongoing monitoring and potential adjustments to the treatment plan.

What are the potential effects of long-term Prozac use?

Long-term effects of Prozac use may include:

• Continued management of depression, anxiety, or other treated conditions
• Possible weight changes (some people may experience weight gain or loss)
• Potential sexual side effects (e.g., decreased libido, difficulty achieving orgasm)
• Increased risk of bone fractures in older adults
• Possible changes in blood sugar levels in people with diabetes

Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help monitor for any long-term effects and ensure that the benefits of continued Prozac use outweigh any potential risks.

Is it possible to develop tolerance to Prozac?

While some people may feel that Prozac becomes less effective over time, true tolerance to the medication is rare. If you feel that your symptoms are returning or worsening despite continued use of Prozac, it’s important to discuss this with your healthcare provider. They may need to adjust your dosage or consider other treatment options to ensure optimal management of your condition.

In conclusion, Prozac is a versatile and effective medication for treating various mental health conditions. By understanding its strengths, dosages, potential side effects, and proper usage, patients and healthcare providers can work together to maximize its benefits while minimizing risks. Regular communication with your healthcare team is key to ensuring the best possible outcomes with Prozac treatment.

Form, Strengths, How to Take, and More

If you have certain mental health conditions, your doctor might suggest Prozac as a treatment option for you. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:

• panic disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• depression
• depression related to bipolar I disorder*
• treatment-resistant depression*
• bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder)

Prozac is also approved to treat the following conditions in some children:

• OCD
• depression
• depression related to bipolar I disorder*

The active ingredient in Prozac is fluoxetine. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Fluoxetine belongs to the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Prozac comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s also available as the generic drug fluoxetine.

This article describes the dosages of Prozac, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Prozac, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Prozac’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drugmaker. But when using Prozac, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

* For this condition, Prozac is used together with olanzapine (Zyprexa).

This section covers standard dosage information for Prozac. Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will talk with you about the dosage instructions specific to your condition.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of Prozac’s dosages for adults. (For details about children’s dosages, see the “What’s the dosage of Prozac for children?” section below.) Prozac’s strengths are in milligrams (mg). Be sure to read on for more detail.

* For this condition, Prozac is used together with olanzapine (Zyprexa).
† For this condition, doctors may prescribe a lower dose to start. Then they’ll increase it over several days to the recommended dose of 60 mg.

What is the form of Prozac?

Prozac comes as a capsule that you swallow.

What strengths does Prozac come in?

Prozac capsules come in the following strengths:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 40 mg

What are the usual dosages of Prozac?

Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage of Prozac. They may adjust it over time to reach the right therapeutic dose for you. (A therapeutic dose is a dose that treats your condition and manages your symptoms.) They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly recommended for adults. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for panic disorder

For panic disorder (a kind of anxiety disorder), your doctor may initially prescribe a low dose of Prozac. The starting dosage is 10 mg per day.

After 1 week, your doctor may increase your dosage to 20 mg per day. This is the recommended dosage for panic disorder. They may increase it further to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 10 mg to 60 mg. The maximum recommended dosage for panic disorder is 60 mg.

Dosage for OCD

For OCD in adults, the recommended starting dosage is 20 mg per day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dosage to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg. The maximum recommended dosage for OCD is 80 mg per day.

Dosage for depression related to bipolar I disorder

For depression related to bipolar I disorder, Prozac’s recommended starting dosage in adults is 20 mg per day. Your doctor may gradually increase or adjust your dosage to reach the dose that’s right for you.

Prozac’s usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 50 mg. The maximum recommended dosage is 50 mg.

For this use, Prozac is prescribed together with olanzapine (Zyprexa). Your doctor will recommend the dosage of olanzapine that’s right for you.

Dosage for depression

For depression in adults, the typical dosage of Prozac is 20 mg per day. You’ll likely take this dosage for the first several weeks or longer. Then your doctor may increase or adjust your dosage over time to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 80 mg. The maximum recommended dosage is 80 mg per day.

Dosage for treatment-resistant depression

For treatment-resistant depression in adults, the usual starting dosage is 20 mg per day. You’ll likely take this dosage for the first several weeks or longer. Then your doctor may increase or adjust your dosage over time to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 50 mg. The maximum recommended dosage is 50 mg per day.

For this use, Prozac is prescribed together with olanzapine (Zyprexa). Your doctor will recommend the dosage of olanzapine that’s right for you.

Dosage for bulimia nervosa

For bulimia nervosa, the usual dosage of Prozac is 60 mg per day. Doctors sometimes prescribe a lower dose to start. Then they’ll increase it over several days until they reach the recommended dose.

For this use, 60 mg per day is the recommended dosage and the maximum dosage of Prozac.

What’s the dosage of Prozac for children?

Prozac is approved to treat:

• depression in children ages 8 years and older
• OCD in children ages 7 years and older
• depression related to bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 years and older

The chart below summarizes the usual recommended dosages of Prozac for children. Prozac’s strengths are in milligrams (mg).

* For this condition, Prozac is used together with olanzapine (Zyprexa).

Dosage for depression

For depression in children, Prozac’s usual starting dosage is 10 mg per day to 20 mg per day. Your child’s doctor may start by prescribing 10 mg per day and increase it to 20 mg per day after 1 week.

Your child’s dosage may need to be adjusted based on their body weight. Their doctor will determine the dosage that’s right for your child. For details, see the “Dosage adjustments” section below.

Dosage for OCD

For OCD in children, the usual starting dosage is 10 mg per day. After 2 weeks, your child’s doctor will likely increase their dosage to 20 mg per day. They may raise the dosage over time until they reach the dose that’s right for your child.

The recommended daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg.

Dosage for depression related to bipolar I disorder

For depression related to bipolar I disorder, Prozac’s recommended starting dosage is 20 mg per day. Your child’s doctor may gradually increase their dosage over time until they reach the dose that’s right for your child.

The maximum dosage of Prozac for this use in children is 50 mg per day.

For depression related to bipolar I disorder, Prozac is prescribed together with olanzapine (Zyprexa). Your child’s doctor will recommend the dosage of olanzapine that’s right for your child.

Is Prozac used long term?

Yes, Prozac is usually taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may decrease your Prozac dosage if you have liver problems or you’re age 65 years or older.

The dosage of Prozac may also need to be adjusted for children with a low body weight. For example, if your child weighs less than usual for their age, their doctor may prescribe a lower dosage.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Prozac’s dosage.

What is the maximum dose of Prozac I can take?

The recommended maximum dose of Prozac varies by age and the condition being treated. For details, see the “What factors can affect my dosage?” section below.

For example, the recommended maximum dosage for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is 80 mg per day. But for bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) and panic disorder, it is 60 mg per day. To learn more, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.

Keep in mind that the response to a medication differs between people. This is why it’s important to take Prozac exactly as your doctor prescribes. For example, the maximum dose for you may be a lethal dose for someone else. Your doctor will recommend the right dosage for you.

Do not take more medication than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can increase your risk of serious side effects. (For details about Prozac’s side effects, you can read this article.)

If you have questions about the maximum dose of Prozac that you can take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I avoid side effects such as weight loss if I take a low dose of Prozac?

It depends. Prozac side effects, which may include weight loss, can occur with any dose. The risk increases at higher doses. So the risk of side effects, such as weight loss, may decrease with a lower dosage of Prozac.

Always take the dosage of Prozac your doctor prescribes. They’ll prescribe the lowest dose of Prozac that relieves your symptoms and treats your condition. (For details about Prozac’s side effects, you can read this article.)

If you’re concerned about weight loss with Prozac, talk with your doctor. They may monitor your (or your child’s) weight during treatment with Prozac.

If my Prozac dose increases from 10 mg to 20 mg, will I have a higher risk of side effects?

It’s possible. Prozac side effects can happen with any dose. But a dose increase may raise the risk or severity of side effects.

It’s important to note that Prozac has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The risk is higher after any dosage changes and during your first few months of treatment. For more details about Prozac’s boxed warning, see the “Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors” section at the top of the article.

Be sure to always take Prozac exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change your dosage without your doctor’s recommendation. To review Prozac’s usual recommended dosages, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.

If you have more questions about dosage changes and side effects, talk with your doctor. You can also read about Prozac’s side effects in this article.)

What’s the dosage of Prozac when it’s taken with olanzapine?

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is prescribed together with Prozac for certain conditions. These include treatment-resistant depression in adults and depression associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and some children. For both conditions, the usual daily dose of Prozac in adults ranges from 20 mg to 50 mg. But always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Olanzapine and fluoxetine (the active ingredient in Prozac) are also the active ingredients in the brand-name drug Symbyax. This drug is available as a generic version. Your doctor may prescribe you Symbyax instead of Prozac and olanzapine together. If your doctor prescribes Symbyax, they’ll recommend the right dosage for you.

If you miss a dose of Prozac, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Prozac on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

The dosage of Prozac you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re taking the drug to treat
• your age
• body weight for children
• other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)

Prozac is usually taken once per day in the morning. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take Prozac twice a day. For example, if your dosage is 40 milligrams (mg) per day, your doctor may recommend taking 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at noon.

If you take Prozac with olanzapine (Zyprexa), your doctor will likely recommend taking both drugs at night. (Prozac and olanzapine are prescribed together for depression related to bipolar I disorder and treatment-resistant depression. For details, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.)

You can take Prozac with or without food.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Prozac, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

• have large print or use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Prozac in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Prozac doesn’t have a high risk of misuse. Drug misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it.

If you have questions about drug misuse and Prozac, talk with your doctor.

Do not take more Prozac than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by a Prozac overdose can include:

• dizziness
• increased blood pressure
• fainting
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat or heart rate
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
• confusion
• tremors (shakiness or shaky limbs)
• seizure
• coma

What to do in case you take too much Prozac

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Prozac. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Prozac suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

Prozac withdrawal symptoms can include:

• dizziness
• irritability
• agitation
• anxiety
• feeling of indifference or discontent
• electric shock sensations
• headache
• insomnia
• mood changes

If you and your doctor decide that you should stop taking Prozac, they’ll gradually decrease your dosage. This may help decrease the risk of withdrawal symptoms or their severity.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for stopping Prozac treatment. Your doctor will recommend a schedule that slowly reduces your dosage over time.

Tell your doctor if you have bothersome withdrawal symptoms while stopping Prozac treatment. They may have you temporarily go back to your previous dose or decrease your dosage slower.

Note that Prozac takes a while to get out of your system after your last dose. So if withdrawal symptoms occur, they may not start right away.

If you have questions about stopping your Prozac treatment or what side effects to expect, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Prozac for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. To review Prozac’s usual recommended dosages, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Prozac without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Prozac exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How long will I need to wait before any dose changes?
• Does my dosage of Prozac need to change if I’m taking other drugs along with it?
• Will you lower my dosage if I have side effects from Prozac?
• Will my dosage of Prozac need to change if I have kidney problems?

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Form, Strengths, How to Take, and More

If you have certain mental health conditions, your doctor might suggest Prozac as a treatment option for you. It’s a prescription drug used to treat the following conditions in adults:

• panic disorder
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• depression
• depression related to bipolar I disorder*
• treatment-resistant depression*
• bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder)

Prozac is also approved to treat the following conditions in some children:

• OCD
• depression
• depression related to bipolar I disorder*

The active ingredient in Prozac is fluoxetine. An active ingredient is what makes a drug work. Fluoxetine belongs to the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

Prozac comes as a capsule that you swallow. It’s also available as the generic drug fluoxetine.

This article describes the dosages of Prozac, as well as its strengths and how to take it. To learn more about Prozac, see this in-depth article.

Note: This article covers Prozac’s usual dosages, which are provided by the drugmaker. But when using Prozac, always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

* For this condition, Prozac is used together with olanzapine (Zyprexa).

This section covers standard dosage information for Prozac. Before prescribing this medication, your doctor will talk with you about the dosage instructions specific to your condition.

Note: This chart highlights the basics of Prozac’s dosages for adults. (For details about children’s dosages, see the “What’s the dosage of Prozac for children?” section below.) Prozac’s strengths are in milligrams (mg). Be sure to read on for more detail.

* For this condition, Prozac is used together with olanzapine (Zyprexa).
† For this condition, doctors may prescribe a lower dose to start. Then they’ll increase it over several days to the recommended dose of 60 mg.

What is the form of Prozac?

Prozac comes as a capsule that you swallow.

What strengths does Prozac come in?

Prozac capsules come in the following strengths:

• 10 mg
• 20 mg
• 40 mg

What are the usual dosages of Prozac?

Your doctor will likely start by prescribing a low dosage of Prozac. They may adjust it over time to reach the right therapeutic dose for you. (A therapeutic dose is a dose that treats your condition and manages your symptoms.) They’ll ultimately prescribe the smallest dosage that provides the desired effect.

The information below describes dosages that are commonly recommended for adults. But be sure to take the dosage your doctor prescribes for you. They’ll determine the best dosage to fit your needs.

Dosage for panic disorder

For panic disorder (a kind of anxiety disorder), your doctor may initially prescribe a low dose of Prozac. The starting dosage is 10 mg per day.

After 1 week, your doctor may increase your dosage to 20 mg per day. This is the recommended dosage for panic disorder. They may increase it further to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 10 mg to 60 mg. The maximum recommended dosage for panic disorder is 60 mg.

Dosage for OCD

For OCD in adults, the recommended starting dosage is 20 mg per day. Your doctor may gradually increase your dosage to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg. The maximum recommended dosage for OCD is 80 mg per day.

Dosage for depression related to bipolar I disorder

For depression related to bipolar I disorder, Prozac’s recommended starting dosage in adults is 20 mg per day. Your doctor may gradually increase or adjust your dosage to reach the dose that’s right for you.

Prozac’s usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 50 mg. The maximum recommended dosage is 50 mg.

For this use, Prozac is prescribed together with olanzapine (Zyprexa). Your doctor will recommend the dosage of olanzapine that’s right for you.

Dosage for depression

For depression in adults, the typical dosage of Prozac is 20 mg per day. You’ll likely take this dosage for the first several weeks or longer. Then your doctor may increase or adjust your dosage over time to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 80 mg. The maximum recommended dosage is 80 mg per day.

Dosage for treatment-resistant depression

For treatment-resistant depression in adults, the usual starting dosage is 20 mg per day. You’ll likely take this dosage for the first several weeks or longer. Then your doctor may increase or adjust your dosage over time to reach the dose that’s right for you.

The usual daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 50 mg. The maximum recommended dosage is 50 mg per day.

For this use, Prozac is prescribed together with olanzapine (Zyprexa). Your doctor will recommend the dosage of olanzapine that’s right for you.

Dosage for bulimia nervosa

For bulimia nervosa, the usual dosage of Prozac is 60 mg per day. Doctors sometimes prescribe a lower dose to start. Then they’ll increase it over several days until they reach the recommended dose.

For this use, 60 mg per day is the recommended dosage and the maximum dosage of Prozac.

What’s the dosage of Prozac for children?

Prozac is approved to treat:

• depression in children ages 8 years and older
• OCD in children ages 7 years and older
• depression related to bipolar I disorder in children ages 10 years and older

The chart below summarizes the usual recommended dosages of Prozac for children. Prozac’s strengths are in milligrams (mg).

* For this condition, Prozac is used together with olanzapine (Zyprexa).

Dosage for depression

For depression in children, Prozac’s usual starting dosage is 10 mg per day to 20 mg per day. Your child’s doctor may start by prescribing 10 mg per day and increase it to 20 mg per day after 1 week.

Your child’s dosage may need to be adjusted based on their body weight. Their doctor will determine the dosage that’s right for your child. For details, see the “Dosage adjustments” section below.

Dosage for OCD

For OCD in children, the usual starting dosage is 10 mg per day. After 2 weeks, your child’s doctor will likely increase their dosage to 20 mg per day. They may raise the dosage over time until they reach the dose that’s right for your child.

The recommended daily dose ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg.

Dosage for depression related to bipolar I disorder

For depression related to bipolar I disorder, Prozac’s recommended starting dosage is 20 mg per day. Your child’s doctor may gradually increase their dosage over time until they reach the dose that’s right for your child.

The maximum dosage of Prozac for this use in children is 50 mg per day.

For depression related to bipolar I disorder, Prozac is prescribed together with olanzapine (Zyprexa). Your child’s doctor will recommend the dosage of olanzapine that’s right for your child.

Is Prozac used long term?

Yes, Prozac is usually taken as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine that it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.

Dosage adjustments

Your doctor may decrease your Prozac dosage if you have liver problems or you’re age 65 years or older.

The dosage of Prozac may also need to be adjusted for children with a low body weight. For example, if your child weighs less than usual for their age, their doctor may prescribe a lower dosage.

Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Prozac’s dosage.

What is the maximum dose of Prozac I can take?

The recommended maximum dose of Prozac varies by age and the condition being treated. For details, see the “What factors can affect my dosage?” section below.

For example, the recommended maximum dosage for depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is 80 mg per day. But for bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) and panic disorder, it is 60 mg per day. To learn more, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.

Keep in mind that the response to a medication differs between people. This is why it’s important to take Prozac exactly as your doctor prescribes. For example, the maximum dose for you may be a lethal dose for someone else. Your doctor will recommend the right dosage for you.

Do not take more medication than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can increase your risk of serious side effects. (For details about Prozac’s side effects, you can read this article.)

If you have questions about the maximum dose of Prozac that you can take, talk with your doctor or pharmacist.

Can I avoid side effects such as weight loss if I take a low dose of Prozac?

It depends. Prozac side effects, which may include weight loss, can occur with any dose. The risk increases at higher doses. So the risk of side effects, such as weight loss, may decrease with a lower dosage of Prozac.

Always take the dosage of Prozac your doctor prescribes. They’ll prescribe the lowest dose of Prozac that relieves your symptoms and treats your condition. (For details about Prozac’s side effects, you can read this article.)

If you’re concerned about weight loss with Prozac, talk with your doctor. They may monitor your (or your child’s) weight during treatment with Prozac.

If my Prozac dose increases from 10 mg to 20 mg, will I have a higher risk of side effects?

It’s possible. Prozac side effects can happen with any dose. But a dose increase may raise the risk or severity of side effects.

It’s important to note that Prozac has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in young adults and children. This is a serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). The risk is higher after any dosage changes and during your first few months of treatment. For more details about Prozac’s boxed warning, see the “Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors” section at the top of the article.

Be sure to always take Prozac exactly as your doctor prescribes. Do not change your dosage without your doctor’s recommendation. To review Prozac’s usual recommended dosages, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.

If you have more questions about dosage changes and side effects, talk with your doctor. You can also read about Prozac’s side effects in this article.)

What’s the dosage of Prozac when it’s taken with olanzapine?

Olanzapine (Zyprexa) is prescribed together with Prozac for certain conditions. These include treatment-resistant depression in adults and depression associated with bipolar I disorder in adults and some children. For both conditions, the usual daily dose of Prozac in adults ranges from 20 mg to 50 mg. But always take the dosage that your doctor prescribes.

Olanzapine and fluoxetine (the active ingredient in Prozac) are also the active ingredients in the brand-name drug Symbyax. This drug is available as a generic version. Your doctor may prescribe you Symbyax instead of Prozac and olanzapine together. If your doctor prescribes Symbyax, they’ll recommend the right dosage for you.

If you miss a dose of Prozac, take it as soon as you remember. If it’s almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and take your next dose at the scheduled time. Do not take two doses together to make up for a missed dose.

If you need help remembering to take your dose of Prozac on time, try using a medication reminder. This can include setting an alarm or downloading a reminder app on your phone.

The dosage of Prozac you’re prescribed may depend on several factors. These include:

• the type and severity of the condition you’re taking the drug to treat
• your age
• body weight for children
• other conditions you may have (see the “Dosage adjustments” section above)

Prozac is usually taken once per day in the morning. In some cases, your doctor may recommend that you take Prozac twice a day. For example, if your dosage is 40 milligrams (mg) per day, your doctor may recommend taking 20 mg in the morning and 20 mg at noon.

If you take Prozac with olanzapine (Zyprexa), your doctor will likely recommend taking both drugs at night. (Prozac and olanzapine are prescribed together for depression related to bipolar I disorder and treatment-resistant depression. For details, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.)

You can take Prozac with or without food.

For information on the expiration, storage, and disposal of Prozac, see this article.

Accessible drug containers and labels

If you find it hard to read the prescription label on your medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist. Some pharmacies provide medication labels that:

• have large print or use braille
• feature a code you can scan with a smartphone to change the text to audio

Your doctor or pharmacist may be able to recommend pharmacies that offer these accessibility features if your current pharmacy doesn’t.

If you have trouble opening medication bottles, let your pharmacist know. They may be able to supply Prozac in an easy-open container. They may also have tips to help make it simpler to open the drug’s container.

Prozac doesn’t have a high risk of misuse. Drug misuse means taking a drug in a way other than how a doctor prescribes it.

If you have questions about drug misuse and Prozac, talk with your doctor.

Do not take more Prozac than your doctor prescribes, as this can lead to serious side effects.

Symptoms of overdose

Symptoms caused by a Prozac overdose can include:

• dizziness
• increased blood pressure
• fainting
• slow, fast, or irregular heartbeat or heart rate
• hallucinations (seeing or hearing things that aren’t really there)
• confusion
• tremors (shakiness or shaky limbs)
• seizure
• coma

What to do in case you take too much Prozac

Call your doctor right away if you think you’ve taken too much Prozac. You can also call 800-222-1222 to reach the American Association of Poison Control Centers or use its online resource. But if you have severe symptoms, immediately call 911 (or your local emergency number) or go to the nearest emergency room.

You may have withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking Prozac suddenly. Withdrawal symptoms are side effects that can occur when you stop taking a drug that your body has become dependent on.

Prozac withdrawal symptoms can include:

• dizziness
• irritability
• agitation
• anxiety
• feeling of indifference or discontent
• electric shock sensations
• headache
• insomnia
• mood changes

If you and your doctor decide that you should stop taking Prozac, they’ll gradually decrease your dosage. This may help decrease the risk of withdrawal symptoms or their severity.

It’s important to follow your doctor’s instructions for stopping Prozac treatment. Your doctor will recommend a schedule that slowly reduces your dosage over time.

Tell your doctor if you have bothersome withdrawal symptoms while stopping Prozac treatment. They may have you temporarily go back to your previous dose or decrease your dosage slower.

Note that Prozac takes a while to get out of your system after your last dose. So if withdrawal symptoms occur, they may not start right away.

If you have questions about stopping your Prozac treatment or what side effects to expect, talk with your doctor.

The sections above describe the usual dosages provided by the drugmaker. If your doctor recommends Prozac for you, they’ll prescribe the dosage that’s right for you. To review Prozac’s usual recommended dosages, see the “What is Prozac’s dosage?” section above.

Remember, you should not change your dosage of Prozac without your doctor’s recommendation. Only take Prozac exactly as prescribed. Talk with your doctor if you have questions or concerns about your current dosage.

Here are some examples of questions you may want to ask your doctor:

• How long will I need to wait before any dose changes?
• Does my dosage of Prozac need to change if I’m taking other drugs along with it?
• Will you lower my dosage if I have side effects from Prozac?
• Will my dosage of Prozac need to change if I have kidney problems?

To get information on different conditions and tips for improving your health, subscribe to any of Healthline’s newsletters. You may also want to check out the online communities at Bezzy. It’s a place where people with certain conditions can find support and connect with others.

Disclaimer: Healthline has made every effort to make certain that all information is factually correct, comprehensive, and up to date. However, this article should not be used as a substitute for the knowledge and expertise of a licensed healthcare professional. You should always consult your doctor or another healthcare professional before taking any medication. The drug information contained herein is subject to change and is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions, precautions, warnings, drug interactions, allergic reactions, or adverse effects. The absence of warnings or other information for a given drug does not indicate that the drug or drug combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for all patients or all specific uses.

Experts have changed the way adults treat depression » Medvestnik

The National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has updated guidelines for treating adults with depression. The changes affected the tactics of treating the disease, the possibility of intensifying antidepressant therapy, and ways to cancel drug therapy.

Definition

Depression is a mental disorder characterized by an inability to experience positive emotions (loss of interest in and enjoyment of ordinary things and activities), depressed mood, and a wide range of associated emotional, cognitive, somatic, and behavioral symptoms, according to the NICE document .

Principles of case management

When caring for a patient with depression, the professional should strive to build trust. It is necessary to communicate with the patient openly, without judging him, avoiding stigmatization and discrimination, respecting confidentiality, privacy and respect for his personality. The patient must be given full access to up-to-date, evidence-based recommendations for the treatment of depression, as well as information about local self-help groups.

At the first meeting with the patient, it is necessary to clarify the history of the disease, concomitant mental and somatic pathology, the presence of episodes of elevated mood (for differential diagnosis with bipolar disorder), previous therapy and response to it. It is important to know the patient’s strengths, personal resources, difficulties in relationships, lifestyle (eg, diet, physical activity, sleep), the presence of stressful or traumatic life events, current or past (divorce, loss of a loved one, trauma), conditions life, whether he has drug or alcohol abuse. A patient with depression should definitely ask about the presence of suicidal thoughts and intentions.

If suicidal risk is identified, the patient should be referred to a psychiatrist immediately.

Periods of high risk

When working with depressed patients, special care should be taken during periods of high risk: when starting and changing therapy, when stress increases. It is necessary to advise the patient and his relatives to pay attention to mood swings, anxiety, negative feelings and a sense of hopelessness, the appearance of suicidal thoughts.

It should be remembered that high doses of antidepressants can be toxic, so patients with suicidal risk should limit the amount of medication dispensed at one time on their hands.

The risk of suicidal thoughts, the likelihood of self-harm and suicide increase in the first weeks of antidepressant therapy.

Treatment

For subthreshold and mild depression, antidepressant therapy should not be the first choice. The patient can be offered a wide range of therapeutic techniques: self-help groups, cognitive behavioral therapy, behavioral activation, interpersonal psychotherapy, short-term psychodynamic psychotherapy, group physical education classes specially designed for patients with depression, mindfulness-based cognitive therapy and meditation.

When working with patients with depressive disorders moderate and severe , antidepressant therapy may be required in addition to non-pharmacological methods.

When suggesting drug therapy to a patient, the reasons for prescribing the drug, possible drugs, dosage and options for changing it, expected improvements in therapy, possible side effects and withdrawal should be discussed.

When prescribing an antidepressant, the physician should explain to the patient the possible effects at the start of treatment, the timing of response to therapy (usually 4 weeks), and the need to take drugs for at least 6 months after the onset of remission.

A follow-up appointment should be scheduled after 2 weeks or after 1 week if there is a risk of suicide or if the patient is between 18 and 25 years of age.

Principles of Antidepressant Withdrawal and Dose Reduction

The patient should be aware that antidepressant withdrawal is gradual, gradual and successful in most cases. Abrupt discontinuation of therapy, skipping a dose, or taking an incomplete dose may cause a withdrawal syndrome: dizziness, sensory disturbances (eg, tingling sensation), mental changes (irritability, anxiety, anxiety, low mood, tearfulness, panic attacks, fears, confusion, occasionally suicidal thoughts), sleep disturbance, sweating, gastrointestinal disturbances (eg, nausea), palpitations, fatigue, headaches, joint and muscle pain.

Most often, withdrawal is mild and lasts 1 to 2 weeks, sometimes it can be more severe and last several weeks, in rare cases – months. Occasionally, the withdrawal syndrome can be severe, especially with abrupt withdrawal of therapy.

When antidepressants are discontinued, the dose should be reduced in stages, for example by 50%. After that, reduce by another 25%, when small doses are reached, a transition to liquid forms of drugs is possible.

Before each step, you should make sure that there is no or minimal manifestations of the withdrawal syndrome.

Drugs with a short half-life should be discontinued more slowly. Cancellation of fluoxetine, given its prolonged action, can be performed with the transition to taking the drug every other day.

Successful withdrawal of antidepressants can take weeks to months. In severe withdrawal symptoms, the antidepressant should be resumed at full dose and tapered more slowly after symptoms resolve.

Augmentation therapy

Lithium may be used as augmentation therapy for depression. After the appointment and then every 6 months, it is necessary to perform weight control, evaluate the function of the kidneys and thyroid gland, and the level of calcium.

Plasma lithium levels should be assessed 12 hours after the first dose, then 1 week later, and 1 week after each dosage change; further drug monitoring is carried out every 3-6 months, depending on the patient’s health status.

The concentration of lithium in the blood plasma should not exceed 1.0 mmol / l (the level required to achieve a therapeutic effect is from 0.4 mmol / l). Cancellation of lithium is carried out within 1-3 months under the supervision of a psychiatrist.

Antipsychotics may also be used to augment therapy, with attention to possible side effects (eg, extrapyramidal symptoms [eg, tremor, parkinsonism], elevated plasma prolactin levels).

When prescribing antipsychotics, it is necessary to monitor the clinical analysis of blood and urine, the concentration of electrolytes, prolactin, glucose and liver enzymes in the blood after 6, 12 weeks and 1 year from the start of therapy, and then annually, and also perform ECG monitoring.

No response to therapy

If there is no response to antidepressants 4 weeks after the start of therapy, the following options for further treatment are possible: combination of medication with psychotherapy or physical education, increasing the dosage or replacing the antidepressant with another.

In particularly resistant forms, a combination with another class of antidepressant, second-generation antipsychotics or lithium is possible.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, selective serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants should not be combined with monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

For severe depression, an urgent response to therapy (eg, if the patient is not eating or drinking), and drug resistance, electroconvulsive therapy may be indicated.

3 terrible ways that anorexic women use

Anorexia nervosa is a serious disease that is difficult to treat. At the same time, a huge number of girls tend to get sick with them. Only the network public “40 kg” has more than 5 million subscribers, hundreds of thousands more have publics “Typical anorexic”, “Ana loves you” and the like. In search engines, along with the word “anorexia”, they often look for the phrase “how to get sick.” Get sick and lose weight. Sometimes to death. We learned all about 3 scary ways that girls who dream of becoming “fragile butterflies” lose weight.

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Anorexia

Do not do that

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Preparations

Do not self-medicate! In our articles, we collect the latest scientific data and the opinions of authoritative health experts. But remember: only a doctor can diagnose and prescribe treatment.

Reduxin

In any pharmacy, you can safely buy Reduxin-Lite – this is not a medicine, but a dietary supplement (BAA), the main active component of which is linoleic acid. A completely different matter is the drug “Reduxin”. This is a prescription drug. The active substance is sibutramine, an anorexigenic drug. The drug artificially causes a feeling of fullness, due to which the patient, suffering from obesity, ceases to exceed the daily calorie intake. True, sibutramine can only be used in complex therapy, under the constant supervision of a doctor, and if other methods of combating obesity have not worked, and the patient has a high risk of developing diseases associated with overweight. Anorexics, of course, do not have obesity, but there is a lack of body weight. And this body, already weakened, is forced to fight the side effects of sibutramine.

In the countries of the European Community, the use of sibutramine was suspended in 2010, when the European Medicines Agency published the results of studies on the risks of side effects of the drug: the drug should not be taken by patients who have ever had diseases of the cardiovascular system – it can cause tachycardia, atrial fibrillation, increased blood pressure, as well as convulsions, dizziness, dysmenorrhea, and more than 20 side effects.

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Fluoxetine

Aka Prozac. This is not a weight loss drug, but a strong antidepressant, one of the side effects of which is loss of appetite. A person suffering from depression, when taking fluoxetine, will notice an improvement in mood, a decrease in anxiety and fear, and normalization of sleep. A pronounced effect will appear after a week of taking the drug. In the event that fluoxetine is suitable for the patient. If not, then the impressive list of side effects of taking fluoxetine is not at all the worst thing. At one time, the pharmaceutical company that produced Prozac hid the fact that more than 2,000 people committed suicide while taking fluoxetine drugs. Despite the fact that before that, suicidal thoughts did not bother them, despite depression.

ECA

Infernal cocktail: ephedrine, caffeine, aspirin. Ephedrine is a psychoactive poisonous alkaloid, a raw material for the production of drugs containing methamphetamine and ephedron. The storage, use and sale of ephedrine in Russia is prohibited, but this fact does not stop anorexics. It is impossible to find ephedrine in its pure form, but ephedrine-containing drugs are easy to find: for example, Broncholithin cough syrup. The standard composition of the cocktail is 25 mg of ephedrine, 250 caffeine and 250 aspirin. The girls take this mixture three times a day. Allegedly, it helps to burn fat at lightning speed. At the same time, naturally, it adversely affects the cardiovascular system.

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Laxatives and diuretics

The principle of action of these drugs is clear: the former help to empty the intestines, the latter have a diuretic effect – due to this, the illusion of weight loss is created. Naturally, neither the volume of muscle mass nor the volume of fat from taking these drugs does not change. But problems with the gastrointestinal tract begin from the constant use of laxatives. Diuretics, on the other hand, cannot be used at all without a doctor’s prescription: they remove potassium, calcium and magnesium ions from the body. It is very difficult to restore their balance without a doctor’s supervision and under the condition of a half-starved diet.

Diets

The most popular two-week anorexic diet contains almost no food at all: 6 apples and 2 cucumbers – this is the only solid food that is allowed to be eaten in 2 weeks!

1 day – green tea;
Day 2 – 4 cups of kefir;
Day 3 – 1 bottle of mineral water;
Day 4 – 1 apple;
Day 5 – 4 glasses of milk;
6 day – green tea;
Day 7 – 4 glasses of milk;
Day 8 – 2 apples;
9th day – a liter of kefir;
10 day – 2 cucumbers;
11 day – green tea;
12 day – a liter of milk;
Day 13 – 3 apples;
14 day – mineral water.

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On the so-called “drinking” diet, you can’t eat solid food at all. Only liquid. 10 days. For the most persistent – 14.

Between diets, the girls switch to “healthy food”: thin slices of whole grain bread, 20 grams of dark chocolate (99% cocoa), a pinch of oatmeal flavored with grated green apple for sweetness – the usual menu for the day.

Self-torture

Naturally, the body still tries to fight hunger, and girls, despite taking drugs, have “breakdowns”. What they call “gluttony”, but which in essence is an attempt to eat a normal portion of ordinary food – after all, after a long fast, eating more than a normal portion is problematic. It hurts.

Motivator from the “40 kg” community

And after failures always comes punishment. That is, self-torture. Posting your photos with the caption “I’m fat” in the sit down is the mildest possible punishment. You can also post a photo in an album for criticism and get a dose of insults. You can punish yourself with a dry fast. Dry means you can’t even drink. No food, no water.

When obsessive thoughts about food arise, anorexics are advised to imagine something terrible instead of food: worms, rotting corpses, or excrement. Do unpleasant things. Punish yourself with hard physical work.

And the last way – cuts. Anorexics cut themselves (mainly their legs, many then post photos of cuts on their thighs online).