{"id":59734,"date":"2023-08-05T13:28:47","date_gmt":"2023-08-05T17:28:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/?p=59734"},"modified":"2026-01-20T17:26:05","modified_gmt":"2026-01-20T22:26:05","slug":"prozac-generic","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.singlecare.com\/blog\/prozac-generic\/","title":{"rendered":"Prozac generic availability, cost, and dosage"},"content":{"rendered":"

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 <\/span>selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/span><\/a>, helping balance serotonin levels in the brain. While it\u2019s an effective drug, many people take the generic version, <\/span>fluoxetine<\/span><\/a>, for its lower costs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Here\u2019s what you should know about generic Prozac, including how it compares to the brand-name version, its cost, and how to switch safely.<\/span><\/p>\n

Is there a generic for Prozac?<\/span><\/h2>\n

Yes, a generic version of Prozac is available. The <\/span>first generic<\/span><\/a>, 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Most people benefit from the availability of generic fluoxetine without compromising on quality. That\u2019s because the generic version contains the same active ingredients, provides the same benefits, and is as safe and effective as the brand-name version.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\t\t

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Save up to 80% on Fluoxetine with SingleCare<\/p>\n\t\t\t

Different pharmacies offer different prices for the same medication. SingleCare helps find the best price for you.<\/p>\n\t\t\t

\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\tFluoxetine 20 mg (30 Capsule)\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t23666 - Hampton, VA\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Kroger\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.36\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\"Harris\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t$6.36\n\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\ti<\/span>\n\t\t\t\t\tPrice with signup<\/a>\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\tGet free coupon<\/a>\n\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\t\t\t<\/div>\n\t\t\tSee Fluoxetine prices at all pharmacies<\/a>\n\t\t<\/div>\n\n\t\t\n

What are the differences between brand-name and generic Prozac?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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 <\/span>OCD symptoms<\/span><\/a>. They can also be used with olanzapine to treat treatment-resistant depression and depressive episodes caused by bipolar disorder.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Appearance<\/span><\/h3>\n

Eli Lilly manufactures <\/span>brand-name Prozac<\/span><\/a>, 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.<\/span><\/p>\n

Dosage forms<\/span><\/h3>\n

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\u2019s also a generic delayed-release capsule that can be taken once weekly. Brand-name Prozac Weekly is discontinued.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Inactive ingredients<\/span><\/h3>\n

As per Food and Drug Administration (FDA) regulations, generic medications must be <\/span>bioequivalent<\/span><\/a> 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.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

In addition, while Prozac is not approved to treat <\/span>premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)<\/span><\/a>, generic fluoxetine tablets are approved for PMDD and marketed under a different brand name called Sarafem.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n
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Prozac vs. fluoxetine<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n

Feature<\/b><\/td>\nProzac<\/b><\/td>\nFluoxetine<\/b><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Dosage forms<\/span><\/td>\nCapsules<\/span><\/td>\nCapsules, delayed-release capsules, tablets, oral solution<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Effectiveness<\/span><\/td>\nNo clinical advantage over generic<\/span><\/td>\nFDA-approved as bioequivalent to Prozac<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Onset of action<\/span><\/td>\nAround 4\u20136 weeks for maximum effect<\/span><\/td>\nAround 4\u20136 weeks for maximum effect<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Availability<\/span><\/td>\nVaries depending on the pharmacy<\/span><\/td>\nWidely available due to multiple manufacturers<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n
Cost<\/span><\/td>\nHigher out-of-pocket costs\u00a0<\/span><\/td>\nCheaper than the brand-name version<\/span><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n

How much is generic Prozac?<\/span><\/h2>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

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, <\/span>SingleCare coupons<\/span><\/a> can help lower the cost even further.<\/span><\/p>\n

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.<\/span><\/p>\n

What are the off-label uses for Prozac?<\/span><\/h2>\n

While Prozac is approved for certain mental health conditions, it may also be used off-label for other purposes. <\/span>Off-label prescribing<\/span><\/a> refers to the practice of using a medication for a purpose different from what it was initially approved for.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n

Social anxiety disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n

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 <\/span>may be more effective<\/span><\/a> in treating SAD than a placebo.<\/span><\/p>\n

Post-traumatic stress disorder<\/span><\/h3>\n

In some cases, Prozac may be used off-label to help treat <\/span>post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)<\/span><\/a>. 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 <\/span>reduce PTSD symptoms<\/span><\/a>.<\/span><\/p>\n

Other off-label uses<\/span><\/h3>\n

Prozac or fluoxetine may be used for other off-label uses not listed here, including:\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n