This article describes Prozac’s dosages and strengths and gives details on how to take it. You’ll also find information on cost savings and coupon options for Prozac. If you want to know more about Prozac, see this overview article. It covers details about the drug’s uses and side effects, ways to save on cost, and more.
Prozac is a brand-name medication that comes as an oral capsule. It’s available in a generic version called fluoxetine. The dosages and uses are expected to be the same for both drugs.
Prozac has a boxed warning. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). For details, see the end of this article.
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Dosage of Prozac
This article describes the recommended dosages for Prozac. The drugmaker provides these dosages. In some cases, doctors may adjust your dosage from those shown below.
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 Prozac without your doctor’s recommendation. Prozac can be taken with or without food.
Dosages of Prozac in children
Prozac is approved to treat certain mental health conditions in children ages 7 years and older. Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Prozac. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached.
Below are the usual dosages of Prozac, expressed in milligrams (mg) in children:
| Condition | Age | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|---|
| major depressive disorder (MDD) | 8 years and older | 10 to 20 mg once per day | personalized, typical dosage is 20 mg per day |
| obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) | 7 years and older | 10 mg once per day | personalized, typical dosage is 20 to 60 mg per day for children having higher weight or 20 to 30 mg per day for children having lower weight |
| episodes of depression related to bipolar I disorder* | 10 years and older | 20 mg of Prozac and 2.5 mg of olanzapine once per day in the evening | personalized, up to 50 mg of Prozac and 12 mg of olanzapine once per day |
* For this use, Prozac is prescribed in combination with the drug olanzapine.
For MDD, your child’s doctor will consider a starting dosage of Prozac 10 mg or 20 mg, depending on your child’s body weight. Children with lower than average body weight may start with a dosage of 10 mg per day. And then, it may be increased to a maintenance dosage of 20 mg per day after 1 to several weeks. Children with a higher than average body weight may have a starting dosage of 20 mg per day.
The maximum dosage of Prozac for children is 60 mg per day. For doses above 20 mg per day, your child’s doctor may recommend that they take Prozac twice per day. When Prozac is used in combination with olanzapine, the maximum dosage is 50 mg of Prozac per day and 12 mg of olanzapine per day.
Note: Prozac has a boxed warning about the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults under 25 years. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA. For details, see the end of this article.
Usual recommended dosages of Prozac in adults
Usually, doctors start by prescribing a low dosage of Prozac. Then, they’ll adjust it over time until the right dosage is reached. Ultimately, your doctor will prescribe the smallest dosage of Prozac that gives the desired outcome.
Dosage for Prozac for MDD and other conditions
Below are the usual dosages of Prozac in adults:
| Condition | Starting dosage | Maintenance dosage |
|---|---|---|
| MDD | 20 mg once per day in the morning | personalized up to 80 mg per day |
| OCD | 20 mg once per day in the morning | personalized, typical dosage is 20 to 60 mg per day |
| panic disorder with or without agoraphobia | 10 mg once per day | after one week, 20 mg per day and then, up to 60 mg over several weeks if needed |
| bulimia nervosa | 60 mg once per day in the morning | 60 mg per day in the morning |
| episodes of depression related to bipolar I disorder* | 20 mg of Prozac and 5 mg of olanzapine once per day in the evening | personalized, typically 20 to 50 mg of Prozac and 5 to 12.5 mg of olanzapine once per day |
| treatment-resistant depression in adults with MDD* | 20 mg of Prozac and 5 mg of olanzapine once per day in the evening | personalized, typically 20 to 50 mg of Prozac and 5 to 20 mg of olanzapine once per day |
* For this use, Prozac is prescribed in combination with the drug olanzapine.
Your doctor may consider increasing Prozac from 20 to 40 mg or they may increase any other personalized dosage up to the maximum dosage. They’ll likely do this slowly over several weeks. The maximum dosage of Prozac for adults is 80 mg per day. For dosages above 20 mg per day, your doctor may recommend you take Prozac twice per day. When Prozac is used in combination with olanzapine, the maximum dosage is 75 mg of Prozac per day and 18 mg of olanzapine per day.
Frequently asked questions
Below are answers to some commonly asked questions about Prozac and its dosage.
What is the lowest dosage of Prozac? And is 40 mg of Prozac a high dose?
The lowest dosage of Prozac for adults is the starting dosage, which is 10 to 20 mg per day, depending on the conditions Prozac is being used to treat.
The recommended dosing range of Prozac for adults includes 40 mg. The maintenance dosage is personalized, so 40 mg may be high for some people but not for others. Prozac’s highest dose is 80 mg per day, which is the maximum dosage recommended for adults.
Talk with your doctor for more information about the right Prozac dosage for you. To learn more about the dosage of Prozac, see “Dosage of Prozac” section above.
What is the Prozac dosage for weight loss?
Prozac isn’t approved to treat weight loss. For this reason, there isn’t a recommended dosage for this use.
In some cases, Prozac may be prescribed off-label for weight loss. With off-label use, doctors prescribe a drug for a purpose other than what it’s approved for.
To learn more about weight loss treatments, talk with your doctor.
Is Prozac taken long term?
Yes, doctors typically prescribe Prozac 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.
The length of treatment depends on the condition it’s being used to treat. Talk with your doctor about how long they recommend you take Prozac.
What should I do for a missed dose of Prozac?
If you realize you forgot to take a dose of Prozac, tell your doctor or pharmacist right away. 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 Prozac 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
Form and strengths of Prozac
Prozac comes as follows:
- Forms: capsule, which you’ll take by swallowing
- Strengths: 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg
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Get free cardOverdose of Prozac
It’s important that you do not take more Prozac than your doctor prescribes. Doing so can lead to harmful effects.
Symptoms of Prozac overdose
Symptoms of an overdose can include:
What to do if you take too much Prozac
If you think you’ve taken too much Prozac, 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.
Boxed warning for Prozac
Prozac has a boxed warning for the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. A boxed warning is the most serious warning from the FDA.
Prozac can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults below the age of 25 years. This risk is greatest during the first few months of treatment or with a dosage change. Prozac is not approved for use in children younger than ages 7 years.
Talk to your doctor right away if you or a caregiver notice any signs of suicidal thoughts and behaviors such as:
- new or worsening depression
- anxiety or agitation
- panic attacks
- trouble sleeping
- irritability or aggressiveness
- restlessness or feeling unable to be still
- impulsive actions
- extreme levels of excitement
- thoughts harming yourself or dying
- trying to attempt suicide or harm yourself
You can also talk with your doctor to learn more about this risk.
If you have thoughts of suicide during Prozac treatment, call the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline by dialing 988. Or tell your doctor right away. You can also refer to this article for ways to seek support.
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.