Prozac is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. While it can cause side effects for some people, it does not typically cause high blood pressure.
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
Prozac, also known by its generic name fluoxetine, is a medication that helps treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and many other mental health conditions.
While the drug can be an effective mental health treatment, some people may experience side effects. Although these can differ for everyone, it’s not usual to experience a rise in blood pressure.
What are Prozac and SSRIs?
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Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an antidepressant medication. More specifically, it’s a type of SSRI.
SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter — a type of signaling molecule — that helps regulate your mood.
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A 2021 review of 232 articles concluded that SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) do not significantly affect blood pressure.
But the authors list some antidepressants that are more likely to cause high blood pressure (hypertension), and these include:
some serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), especially venlafaxine (Effexor)
some dopamine–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (DNRIs), especially bupropion (Wellbutrin)
some tricyclic antidepressants, especially imipramine (Tofranil)
Similarly, a 2023 article did not list hypertension as a common side effect of SSRIs. But it did explain that SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome, which is a serious condition where your brain receives too much serotonin. One of the symptoms of serotonin syndrome is high blood pressure.
It’s unlikely that you’ll experience serotonin syndrome from regular Prozac use. Rather, it can happen if you take too much of the medication or if you take it with or soon after taking other medications that affect your serotonin levels, like monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) and some recreational drugs.
The official Prozac medication label does not list hypertension as a common side effect, only as a symptom of serotonin syndrome and drug overdose.
One 2023 article does mention that fluoxetine might link to hypertension in pregnant people or newborns exposed to SSRIs during the time between conception and birth (gestation). But more research is needed to confirm this.
If you’re concerned about the potential effect of Prozac on your blood pressure, it’s best to discuss your medication options with a doctor or healthcare professional.
SSRI alternatives
In addition to fluoxetine (Prozac), other common SSRIs include:
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Be sure to contact a doctor or healthcare professional if you experience side effects. They may be able to adjust your dosage or switch you to a different medication.
How to monitor your blood pressure
Whether or not you take medications like fluoxetine (Prozac), regularly checking your blood pressure can help identify any health conditions.
Keeping a blood pressure log, either in a notepad or mobile app, can help you gain a good overview of your typical blood pressure range.
To check your blood pressure, you can consider:
Home devices. You can buy a blood pressure monitor to use at home at your leisure.
Public services. Some public locations, like pharmacies, offer blood pressure checks.
Healthcare settings. A healthcare professional like a primary care physician can check your blood pressure.
The American Heart Association (AHA) recommends that you check your blood pressure at least once every year if you don’t have any heart health concerns. If you do have a heart-related condition, like high blood pressure, the AHA recommends checking blood pressure daily.
For adults, experts consider blood pressure to be high if it’s more than 120 systolic (upper number) and 80 diastolic (lower number).
Hypertension risk factors
The AHA divides high blood pressure risk factors into two categories — those you can manage and those you might not be able to.
Risk factors that you may not be able to manage include:
age
family history
biological sex
race
certain medical conditions like chronic kidney disease
pregnancy
Risk factors you might be able to manage include:
physical activity levels
being overweight
a diet high in sodium (salt), calories, saturated and trans fats, and added sugars
excessive alcohol consumption (if applicable)
smoking (if applicable)
stress levels
certain medical conditions like sleep apnea
Alternative mental health medications
If SSRIs are not right for you, other medications can help manage your mental health.
For example, a 2023 article lists some common medications for depression. They include:
It’s important to work with a doctor or healthcare professional to identify the most suitable treatment for you. They can also recommend other treatments, like psychotherapy.
Summary
Research typically does not suggest a strong link between SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and increased blood pressure.
Regardless of whether you take any medications, it’s a good idea to regularly monitor your blood pressure and maintain a healthy lifestyle to help keep your blood pressure levels at the recommended range.
If you have concerns about your blood pressure or medication side effects, contact a healthcare professional for personalized advice and guidance.
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