fluoxetine (Prozac)

Meet with a licensed provider online to explore if an antidepressant medication like fluoxetine (Prozac) may be right for you.

Treatment for:
depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder

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What is an SSRI?

A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a class of medication commonly used to treat mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, OCD, and PTSD.

How does a SSRI work?

SSRIs increase the availability of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a naturally-occurring brain chemical that supports the regulation of mood and memory.

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How prescribing works

  • 1

    Find a provider who meets your needs

    Browse our providers online or call our scheduling team for matching assistance — find a provider who accepts your insurance and meets your needs, whether that’s a clinical specialty or a shared life experience. Choose a date and time that works for you and how you’d prefer to pay (using insurance or self-pay).

  • 2

    Meet 1:1 to begin treatment

    Meet online with your provider to begin treatment. At your first session, share any symptoms or struggles you’re experiencing along with your goals. Together, you and your provider will discuss if medication may be a good next step. Your provider may write you a prescription to be filled at your local pharmacy.

  • 3

    Attend sessions and start feeling better

    Once your treatment plan is created, your provider will regularly check in and encourage feedback to ensure any medication you may be prescribed is effective for you.

FAQs

What is fluoxetine (Prozac) used for?

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other related mental health disorders. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, that works by increasing the availability of serotonin in your brain.

Does fluoxetine (Prozac) cause weight gain?

Changes in weight may be a side effect of antidepressant medication, but major weight changes when taking fluoxetine (Prozac) are uncommon. If you have concerns about managing your weight while taking antidepressant medication, consult with your provider.

What does fluoxetine (Prozac) feel like when it starts working?

The goal of taking an antidepressant medication like fluoxetine (Prozac) is to help reduce the severity and frequency of your depression symptoms. It will not change your personality and can help you feel like yourself again, including regaining interest in activities you enjoy and feeling more hopeful. If you begin to feel worse after taking fluoxetine, talk with your provider immediately.

What are the sexual side effects of fluoxetine?

Sexual side effects may occur for both men and women when taking fluoxetine and other SSRIs, including decreased sexual desire and interest, reduced sensitivity, and difficulty achieving climax. If you're experiencing negative side effects of any medication, speak with your provider — they may advise trying a new medication, changing when you take your medication, or coping strategies.

How long does it take for fluoxetine (Prozac) to work?

Most SSRI medications like fluoxetine take up to 8 weeks of regular use to be fully effective, with some people beginning to feel symptom relief as quickly as 1-2 weeks after starting.

Is fluoxetine (Prozac) addictive?

SSRIs like fluoxetine have not been found to be addictive. However, if you stop taking your medication suddenly, you may experience discontinuation symptoms which can last for weeks. Consult with your provider before making any medication changes.

Can I get a prescription online?

You can meet online with a licensed provider at Thriveworks — if it’s clinically appropriate, they may prescribe you medication for the treatment of a diagnosed mental health condition. Your Thriveworks provider will send your prescription to a local pharmacy to be filled.

Can I use my health insurance for online prescriptions and refills?

Thriveworks accepts most major insurance plans for our online psychiatry and therapy services. Your insurance may also cover the cost of any medication prescribed to you by your Thriveworks provider, which can be filled at a local pharmacy. Check with your insurance provider to confirm your medical and prescription coverage information.

How do I get a prescription at Thriveworks?

Schedule an online appointment with a licensed psychiatric provider at Thriveworks. After meeting with you and discussing your symptoms and treatment plan, your provider may recommend a prescription medication and/or additional services to help you reach your goals.

This information has been reviewed for accuracy and approved by our licensed psychiatric team. Published October 3, 2024

We offer psychiatry in these select states

Our psychiatry services are done completely online, so you can schedule with any psychiatric provider in your state.

Dr. Scott Gordon

Accepting medication as part of your mental health care plan is an individual and often deeply personal decision. At Thriveworks, we’re here to help you understand your care options and support you on the path toward wellness. We prioritize treating the whole patient, whether through medication, therapy, or a combination of both — guided by clinical best practices and rigorously developed treatment strategies to help clients safely and efficiently resolve their symptoms.

Dr. Scott Gordon Chief Medical Officer

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    If you’re having a medical or mental health emergency, call 911 or go to your local ER.

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