This article describes fluoxetine oral capsule’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for fluoxetine.
If you want to know more about fluoxetine oral capsule, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Fluoxetine oral capsule is a generic version of the brand-name drug Prozac. Fluoxetine also comes in other forms taken by mouth, but those forms aren’t described in this article. To learn more about those forms, talk with your doctor.
Boxed warning: Risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
Fluoxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
See the end of this article for more information about this warning.
Form and strengths of fluoxetine
Fluoxetine oral capsule comes as follows:
- Form: capsule that you swallow
- Strengths:
- 10 milligrams (mg)
- 20 mg
- 40 mg
Dosage of fluoxetine
This article describes the recommended dosages for fluoxetine oral capsule. The drugmaker provides these recommended dosages.
If your doctor prescribes this medication, you should follow the dosage they prescribe. Your doctor will determine the dosage that best meets your needs. Do not change your dosage of fluoxetine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation.
Usual recommended dosages of fluoxetine in adults
Fluoxetine is approved to treat the following conditions in adults:
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of fluoxetine oral capsule. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of fluoxetine oral capsule that gives the desired outcome.
This table shows the recommended dosages in milligrams (mg) for the conditions fluoxetine treats. A maintenance dosage is what you take throughout treatment, usually after a starting dosage.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| MDD | 20 mg once per day in the morning | 20–80 mg per day* | 80 mg per day* |
| OCD | 20 mg once per day in the morning | 20–60 mg per day* | 80 mg per day* |
| panic disorder | 10 mg once per day | 10–60 mg per day* | 60 mg per day* |
| bulimia nervosa | up to 60 mg once per day in the morning | 60 mg once per day in the morning | 60 mg once per day in the morning |
* Doctors may prescribe fluoxetine doses above 20 mg to be given once or twice per day. For example, if your doctor prescribes 60 mg per day, you may take this as one dose. Or your doctor may have you divide it into two 30-mg doses.
Dosages of fluoxetine in children
Fluoxetine is approved to treat the following conditions in children:
- major depressive disorder (MDD) in children ages 8 years and older
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in children ages 7 years and older
This table shows the recommended dosages in milligrams (mg) for treating these conditions. A maintenance dosage is what your child will take throughout treatment, usually after a starting dosage.
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage | Maximum dosage |
| MDD | 10–20 mg once per day in the morning | 10–20 mg once per day in the morning | 10–20 mg once per day in the morning |
| OCD | 10 mg once per day in the morning | 20–60 mg per day* | 60 mg per day* |
* Fluoxetine doses above 20 mg may be given once or twice per day. For example, if your child is prescribed 60 mg per day, your child may take this as one dose. Or they may take it divided into two 30-mg doses.
Dosage adjustments for fluoxetine
Your doctor will prescribe a dosage of fluoxetine oral capsule based on several factors. These include:
- the specific condition being treated and how severe it is
- your age
- other health conditions you may have
Missed dose of fluoxetine
Talk with your doctor or pharmacist right away if you realize you forgot to take a dose of fluoxetine oral capsule. They may advise you to take the missed dose. Or they may advise you to skip it and take your next dose as scheduled.
For tips on how to plan your doses of fluoxetine oral capsule and avoid missing a dose, read this article. You could also try:
- downloading a reminder app on your phone
- setting an alarm
- putting a note where you’ll see it, such as on your calendar, bathroom mirror, or bedside table
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about fluoxetine oral capsule and its dosage.
What are the lowest and highest recommended doses of fluoxetine?
The lowest and highest recommended fluoxetine doses depend on some factors. These include your age and the condition fluoxetine is prescribed to treat.
For example, in adults with major depressive disorder, the lowest recommended fluoxetine dose is 20 milligrams (mg) once per day. And the highest recommended dose is 80 mg per day. For adults with panic disorder, the lowest recommended dose is 10 mg per day. And the highest dose is 60 mg per day.
See the “Dosage of fluoxetine” section above to learn more about fluoxetine’s recommended doses. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
Is there a best time of day to take fluoxetine?
Yes, the drugmaker has some recommendations. If your dose is taken once per day, the drugmaker generally recommends taking the medication in the morning. If your dose is taken twice per day, the drugmaker recommends taking a dose in the morning and a dose around noon.
Fluoxetine can cause insomnia as a side effect. So taking your medication earlier in the day helps this side effect be less bothersome.
That said, always follow the dosing directions your doctor prescribes. Ask your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions about your dosage or when to take your medication.
Can fluoxetine be taken for weight loss? If so, what’s the dosage?
Fluoxetine isn’t approved for weight loss. But doctors might still prescribe the drug off-label for this or other uses. “Off-label” means a drug is prescribed for a purpose other than its approved uses.
If you’d like to learn more about this use, you can talk with your doctor.
Will my doctor increase my dose of fluoxetine from 20 mg to 40 mg?
It’s possible. Your doctor will likely prescribe a low dose of fluoxetine to begin treatment. Then, they’ll adjust the dose as needed over time until you feel your symptoms are managed. This may require adjusting your dose to 20 milligrams (mg), 40 mg, or something else.
See the “Dosage of fluoxetine” section above to learn more about recommended fluoxetine doses. You can also talk with your doctor or pharmacist to learn more.
Is fluoxetine taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe fluoxetine oral capsule as a long-term treatment. If you and your doctor determine it’s safe and effective for your condition, you’ll likely take it long term.
If you have questions about how long you should take fluoxetine oral capsule, talk with your doctor.
How fluoxetine is taken
You’ll swallow fluoxetine oral capsule once or twice per day. Your doctor will let you know what they prescribe.
If it’s hard for you to swallow capsules, view this article. It provides suggestions on how to swallow medications that come in pill form.
Also, be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist if you’re having difficulty taking your medication. They can offer recommendations about taking it.
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Get free cardOverdose of fluoxetine
It’s important that you do not take more fluoxetine oral capsule than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of fluoxetine overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
- seizures
- high blood pressure or low blood pressure
- abnormal heart rhythm
- cardiac arrest
- serotonin syndrome
In extreme cases or if left untreated, overdose can result in coma.
What to do if you take too much fluoxetine
If you think you’ve taken too much fluoxetine, call your doctor or pharmacist right away. Or you could call 800-222-1222 to speak with someone at America’s Poison Centers. You can also use its online resource. If you have severe symptoms, call 911 or a local emergency number immediately. You can also go to the closest emergency room.
What to ask your doctor
This article describes the usual recommended dosages for fluoxetine oral capsule. If your doctor prescribes this medication, they’ll determine the dosage that’s best for you.
Do not change your dosage of fluoxetine oral capsule without your doctor’s recommendation. You should take fluoxetine oral capsule exactly as your doctor prescribes it. Let your doctor know if you have concerns or questions about your treatment plan.
Here’s a list of some possible questions you may want to ask your doctor:
- Knowing my health history, should I take a lower fluoxetine oral capsule dosage?
- How will we determine the best fluoxetine oral capsule dosage for me?
- If I have side effects from fluoxetine oral capsule, can I be prescribed a lower dosage?
- I’m considering stopping treatment with fluoxetine oral capsule. Should my dosage be lowered slowly over time?
Boxed warning for fluoxetine
Fluoxetine has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA).
As with other antidepressant drugs, treatment with fluoxetine may raise the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some people. These include children and young adults ages 24 years and younger.
Fluoxetine is approved to treat major depressive disorder in children ages 8 years and older. It’s also approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder in children ages 7 years and older.
The risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors is higher at the beginning of treatment with fluoxetine. It is also higher whenever your dosage increases or decreases.
It’s important to note that depression is more likely to cause suicidal thoughts and behaviors than antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine. In studies, fluoxetine helped lower the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in adults ages 25 years and older.
During fluoxetine treatment, your doctor will recommend keeping a close watch for specific changes. These include changes in your behaviors, thoughts, or moods. It’s also helpful to let a close friend or family member know that you’re taking fluoxetine. They can help monitor for these changes.
During fluoxetine treatment, call your doctor or seek emergency medical help immediately if you have symptoms such as:
- new or worsening depression or anxiety
- thoughts about dying or suicide
- restlessness, agitation, or irritation
- other unusual changes in your behavior or mood
If you have thoughts of suicide during fluoxetine treatment, dial 988 to call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
To learn more about this boxed warning, talk with your doctor.
Disclaimer: Optum Perks 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.