Prozac generic availability, cost, and dosage

In this article:

• Prozac generic
• Brand-name vs. generic Prozac
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• Who should not take fluoxetine?
• How to switch
• FAQs
• Expert takeaway

In this article

• Prozac generic
• Brand-name vs. generic Prozac
• Cost
• Off-label uses
• Who should not take fluoxetine?
• How to switch
• FAQs
• Expert takeaway

Prozac is a brand-name antidepressant that treats several mental health conditions, including depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. It works as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), helping balance serotonin levels in the brain. While it’s an effective drug, many people take the generic version, fluoxetine, for its lower costs. 

Here’s what you should know about generic Prozac, including how it compares to the brand-name version, its cost, and how to switch safely.

Is there a generic for Prozac?

Yes, a generic version of Prozac is available. The first generic, fluoxetine, was introduced to the U.S. market in August 2001. Since then, several generic companies have been manufacturing fluoxetine, increasing availability and lowering costs compared to the branded Prozac. 

Most people benefit from the availability of generic fluoxetine without compromising on quality. That’s because the generic version contains the same active ingredients, provides the same benefits, and is as safe and effective as the brand-name version. 

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What are the differences between brand-name and generic Prozac?

Both brand-name Prozac and its generic are approved for the same purposes, including managing panic attacks, treating the eating disorder bulimia nervosa, and controlling OCD symptoms. They can also be used with olanzapine to treat treatment-resistant depression and depressive episodes caused by bipolar disorder. 

Both medications contain the same active ingredient, which means their effects are expected to be similar. However, the two may differ subtly, mostly in appearance and inactive ingredients.

Appearance

Eli Lilly manufactures brand-name Prozac, which usually comes as a capsule in green or yellow with specific markings. On the other hand, generic fluoxetine is manufactured by multiple pharmaceutical companies, so its appearance may vary by manufacturer. Generic versions may differ in shape, size, and color.

Dosage forms

While brand-name Prozac is available as an oral capsule, generic fluoxetine is available in various dosage forms, such as oral capsules, tablets, and oral solutions. The dosages of brand-name and generic versions are identical, and both are usually taken once daily. There’s also a generic delayed-release capsule that can be taken once weekly. Brand-name Prozac Weekly is discontinued. 

Inactive ingredients

As per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, generic medications must be bioequivalent to their brand-name counterparts to be approved. In other words, they need to work the same way. However, they may contain different inactive ingredients that can cause side effects or other reactions in some people. 

In addition, while Prozac is not approved to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), generic fluoxetine tablets are approved for PMDD and marketed under a different brand name called Sarafem. 

How much is generic Prozac?

The average retail price for 30 capsules of 20 mg brand-name Prozac can cost over $600. In contrast, the same supply of the generic may cost about $68. However, prices can vary by pharmacy and whether you have insurance coverage.

Generic fluoxetine is usually covered by Medicare and most insurance plans. Brand-name Prozac may have limited coverage or higher copays. For those paying out of pocket, SingleCare coupons can help lower the cost even further.

These prices are subject to change, and you may find different prices based on your location and pharmacy. You may want to shop around at a different pharmacy and compare prices to find the best deal, especially if insurance coverage is limited or unavailable for your prescription drugs.

What are the off-label uses for Prozac?

While Prozac is approved for certain mental health conditions, it may also be used off-label for other purposes. Off-label prescribing refers to the practice of using a medication for a purpose different from what it was initially approved for. 

Social anxiety disorder

Prozac is sometimes used to treat social anxiety disorder (SAD), a condition characterized by intense fear of social interactions. This fear can be so severe that it makes it difficult to complete work or other tasks and maintain relationships. Studies have shown that fluoxetine alone or used with cognitive behavioral therapy may be more effective in treating SAD than a placebo.

Post-traumatic stress disorder

In some cases, Prozac may be used off-label to help treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can develop after a person experiences a traumatic event, leading to symptoms such as intrusive memories, nightmares, and severe anxiety. According to studies, a daily dose of fluoxetine may help to reduce PTSD symptoms.

Other off-label uses

Prozac or fluoxetine may be used for other off-label uses not listed here, including: 

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Binge eating disorder
• Anorexia nervosa
• Borderline personality disorder
• Autistic disorder
• Separation anxiety disorder
• Fibromyalgia
• Premature ejaculation
• Hot flashes

Medicare and most insurance plans usually cover generic fluoxetine, but off-label uses are limited. A healthcare provider will look at the benefits and risks before prescribing Prozac for off-label uses.

Who should not take fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine, whether it’s taken as a generic or brand-name drug, isn’t safe for everyone. Some people may need to use extra precautions or avoid it entirely. Avoid taking fluoxetine if any of the following apply:

• Those who take a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI): Do not use fluoxetine with MAOIs or within the required waiting periods (14 days after stopping an MAOI or 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine).
• Those who take linezolid or IV methylene blue: These drugs sharply raise serotonin levels and can trigger serotonin syndrome.
• Those who take pimozide or thioridazine: These combinations can cause dangerous heart-rhythm changes, including abnormal heart rate and QT prolongation.
• Those who have had an allergic reaction to fluoxetine: Rash, hives, or swelling are signs that this drug should not be used again.

Fluoxetine is also linked to other drug interactions. Combining it with the following medications could increase the risk of serious side effects. 

• Serotonergic drugs, including tramadol, amitriptyline, and tryptophan
• Drugs whose levels may be increased by fluoxetine, such as some antipsychotics, anticonvulsants, and certain benzodiazepines
• Blood thinners, such as NSAIDs, aspirin, and warfarin

It’s important to discuss your complete medical history and all medications you’re taking with a healthcare provider before starting fluoxetine.

How to switch from Prozac to fluoxetine

In many cases, a healthcare provider will prescribe the generic form of Prozac. If you’ve been taking brand-name Prozac, you can request to be switched to the generic form. Most pharmacists will dispense the generic form if the brand-name version isn’t marked as medically necessary on the prescription. 

• Before switching from brand-name Prozac to generic fluoxetine, follow up with your healthcare provider to make sure you’re taking the right dose based on your health condition.
• You don’t have to taper off Prozac to switch to fluoxetine, as both medications have the same effects on serotonin levels.
• Take the first dose of fluoxetine at the time you would otherwise take a dose of Prozac to keep your treatment schedule. That way, there are no interruptions in treatment.

• Keep a record of your symptoms and any severe side effects when switching medications. Your healthcare provider can check how you’re responding to the new version and make changes if needed.

In some cases, a healthcare provider may recommend continuing with brand-name Prozac instead of switching to the generic. Some people may have an allergic reaction to inactive ingredients in the generic, or they might respond to the brand-name drug for whatever reason.

FAQs

Is generic Prozac the same as the brand name?

Yes, the generic has the same active ingredients and should work the same, but they may differ in appearance and cost.

How long does fluoxetine stay in your system?

Fluoxetine can take days to weeks to leave your system, depending on how long you’ve been taking it. Those who’ve been on it for a while could take around a month to clear it.

What’s the safest dose of fluoxetine?

The safest dose of fluoxetine can vary, but it’s usually the lowest effective dose, which could be anywhere from 10 to 20 mg per day or up to 60 mg per day (for bulimia).

Is fluoxetine cheaper than Prozac?

Yes, fluoxetine is usually cheaper than Prozac since it’s a generic drug.

Is it safe to switch from Prozac to fluoxetine?

Yes, it’s safe to switch to the generic version since it has the same effects as the brand-name form.

Expert takeaway 

Generic Prozac works just as well as the branded version, and it’s often the more affordable choice. What matters more is how it works for an individual and whether it’s being taken as prescribed. 

The SingleCare prices in this article are the most accurate at the time of publishing in ZIP code 23666 as of 1/20/2026. Prices vary by pharmacy. Visit our fluoxetine coupon page for updated fluoxetine prices near you.