Key takeaways
Fluoxetine is a prescription antidepressant that costs about $67 without insurance for a 30-day supply.
Many health insurance plans, including Medicare and Medicaid, typically cover fluoxetine, but the out-of-pocket costs vary by insurance plan.
Save money on fluoxetine by using a SingleCare discount card, comparing pharmacy prices, or switching to a less expensive drug.
Fluoxetine HCl is a generic prescription antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, bulimia, and other mental health conditions. Fluoxetine, which was first introduced as brand-name Prozac, is one of the best-known members of a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Like most SSRIs, fluoxetine is a moderately priced prescription drug, but the total fluoxetine cost can add up long-term.
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Is fluoxetine covered by insurance?
Yes. When fluoxetine is prescribed for a condition approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA), it’s typically covered by commercial health insurance plans, Medicare Part D, Medicare Advantage drug plans, and Medicaid. The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) may also cover fluoxetine for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), even though this use hasn’t been approved by the FDA.
How much does fluoxetine cost without insurance?
The fluoxetine 20 mg price is $67 for a 30-day supply, so it is moderately priced and affordable for many patients. However, a year of fluoxetine treatment at the average retail price will cost over $800, so long-term affordability may be more challenging.
People with health insurance will pay less, but the actual out-of-pocket cost will depend on the insurance company’s formulary, copay cost, deductible, and coinsurance. Medicare Part D patients will pay variable prices throughout the year because of coverage gaps. In general, though, the copay cost alone should be low. Most insurance companies classify fluoxetine as a Tier 1 drug, the category with the lowest copays.
Fluoxetine is not the least expensive SSRI on the market. For depression, there are SSRIs that are less expensive and may work just as well, such as generic Celexa (citalopram) and trazodone. There are also other types of antidepressants, including tricyclic antidepressants, that could be used. People with panic disorder have fewer options. The only other SSRI approved for panic disorder is Paxil (paroxetine), but it costs more than fluoxetine.
Some over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and natural remedies can help relieve mild depression, sadness, or the occasional bout of stress. They are not, however, proven effective at treating serious mental health conditions like major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, or panic attacks.
Compare fluoxetine prices to related drugs |
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|---|---|---|---|
| Drug name | Price without insurance for brand-name drug | SingleCare price | Savings options |
| Fluoxetine | $67 for 30, 20 mg capsules | $6 for 30, 20 mg capsules of generic fluoxetine at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Celexa (citalopram) | $407 for 30, 20 mg tablets | $6 for 30, 20 mg tablets of generic citalopram at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Lexapro (escitalopram) | $571 for 30, 10 mg tablets | $9 for 30, 10 mg tablets of generic escitalopram at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Zoloft (sertraline) | $551 for 30, 50 mg tablets | $9 for 30, 50 mg tablets of generic sertraline at Kroger | See latest prices |
| Paxil (paroxetine) | $760 for 30, 20 mg tablets | $4 for 30, 20 mg tablets or generic paroxetine at Walmart | See latest prices |
| Trazodone | $36 per 30, 50 mg tablets for generic trazodone | $6 per 30, 50 mg tablets of Trazodone at Kroger | See latest prices |
How to get fluoxetine without insurance
Fluoxetine is a moderately priced generic antidepressant. Patient assistance programs, manufacturer coupons, and even rebates might help if patients meet certain eligibility requirements. Unfortunately, these are rarely offered for common generic drugs like fluoxetine. There are more certain and dependable ways to save money, starting with a SingleCare discount card.
1. Use your SingleCare savings card at a participating pharmacy
With a free coupon from SingleCare, a 30-day supply of fluoxetine can be purchased for as little as $6 at Kroger. Considering that the average retail price of generic fluoxetine is $60, that’s a big discount. Members save even more, and it’s free to sign up.
2. Compare prices
Many people don’t realize that pharmacies charge different prices for prescription medications. Search SingleCare for your prescription, then compare your local pharmacy prices online or by using the SingleCare app.
3. Get a 90-day prescription
It also pays to compare prices of 90-day prescriptions versus 30-day fills. A larger prescription may have a lower price on a per-tablet basis. The difference in price will also depend on the pharmacy. Using your SingleCare savings card can help you save even more.
4. Fill the prescription at a clinic or hospital with discount medications
Called 340B providers, some local clinics and hospitals purchase drugs like fluoxetine using federal subsidies. They then sell these drugs to income-eligible patients at a steeply reduced price. Ask a healthcare provider or local health official for a list of local 340B providers.
5. Switch to a less-expensive SSRI
There are generic SSRIs similar to fluoxetine that cost less than generic fluoxetine. Ask a healthcare professional for medical advice about these other drugs. Some may not be appropriate, but switching to a less expensive SSRI could save money.
- Fluoxetine capsule prescribing information, DailyMed (NIH National Library of Medicine) (2024)
- PTSD: Medications and psychotherapy options, VA MyHealtheVet (2020)
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