With all of the available anxiety and depression medications, it can be difficult to know what the differences are and which one is going to be best for you. Even similar antidepressants such as Prozac and Luvox have differences that you should consider with a healthcare provider before making a decision. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
The following article compares Prozac and Luvox, which are both SSRI antidepressants used to treat major depressive disorder and other conditions. Klarity is here to help you make the most informed decision about your treatment options. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you want to speak to a provider about a possible diagnosis and anxiety<\/a> or depression treatment<\/a>, Klarity will connect you with a licensed and compassionate mental healthcare provider within 48 hours. Find your provider<\/a> today.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This article discusses suicide, suicidal ideation, and self-harm. If you or someone you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts or is in crisis, contact the Suicide Prevention Lifeline immediately at 800-273-8255.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac is the name-brand version of the FDA-approved antidepressant medication fluoxetine, and it is used to treat major depressive disorder and other mental health conditions. It is often prescribed to adults, teenagers, and children above the age of eight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant, meaning that it helps increase the levels of serotonin in the brain and prevent reabsorption. Often referred to as the \u201chappy hormone,\u201d serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps send messages between different parts of the brain and body. <\/p>\n\n\n\n When there\u2019s not enough serotonin present, the brain cannot communicate properly, which can lead to symptoms of depression and other mental illnesses. Serotonin reabsorption, also called serotonin reuptake, occurs naturally but preventing it can actually improve symptoms of depression. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac is available in capsules or liquid form. The liquid form is most commonly prescribed to children, while adults usually take the capsules, but your provider will determine which is the best option for you. Capsules come in 20 mg doses, whereas the liquid is measured in doses of 10 mg. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Adult patients usually start by taking a 20 mg dose daily, then increasing their dosage gradually based on a healthcare provider\u2019s recommendation until they reach an ideal amount, usually around 60 mg or 80 mg daily. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac treats major depression and other serotonin-related conditions, as well as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Medical providers often prescribe Prozac to treat depression disorders, and it can also be used to treat generalized anxiety disorders. Here are some of the symptoms that Prozac can alleviate<\/p>\n\n\n\n Patients may be prescribed Prozac for conditions that it\u2019s not FDA-approved to treat. That said, it is still an effective and safe treatment option. Healthcare providers often prescribe medications with a proven track record in an off-label capacity because FDA approval requires extensive testing and resources that can\u2019t be applied to every medication for all uses.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These are off-label uses of Prozac and should only be done under the advice of a medical professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For the brand name Prozac, patients usually pay around $460 and up to $1000 dollars for a 30-day supply. Due to the expensive price, Prozac, as a name brand, is usually not covered by insurance companies. <\/p>\n\n\n\n However, the generic form of fluoxetine can be between $3 and $4 dollars for a 30-day supply of capsules. Patients who need a higher dose of fluoxetine can pay up to $100 for a month\u2019s supply. <\/p>\n\n\n\n As with all antidepressants, Prozac can cause some side effects, which can range from mild to severe. If your side effects persist or worsen, contact your healthcare provider immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some common, moderate side effects of Prozac<\/p>\n\n\n\n In some cases, severe and even life-threatening side effects can occur. If you experience any of the following while taking Prozac, contact emergency medical services immediately. <\/p>\n\n\n\n SSRI antidepressants can cause a rare condition called serotonin syndrome, which occurs when there\u2019s too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can include diarrhea, rapid heart rate, confusion, and seizures.<\/p>\n\n\n\n In rare cases, if left untreated, serotonin syndrome can be fatal. It is vital that you contact your healthcare provider immediately if you begin experiencing any symptoms.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Prozac can have adverse effects on individuals with certain medical conditions, such as the following:<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have any of these conditions, you should avoid using Prozac. Always let your provider know of any underlying medical conditions you have so that they can avoid prescribing medication that could have adverse interactions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Certain medications and recreational substances can interact with Prozac and put your health at risk. Let your provider know if you are currently taking any medication or substances. Additionally, if you consume any of the following, you should avoid using Prozac.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n
\n\t \n<\/th> Luvox<\/th> Prozac<\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n \n\t Drug Class<\/strong><\/td> Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td> Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Brand \/ Generic Status<\/strong><\/td> Brand name for fluvoxamine<\/td> Brand name fluoxetine<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n \n\t Form(s) of the Drug<\/strong><\/td> \u2022 Tablets
\r\n\u2022 Extended-release capsules
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>\u2022 Clear, peppermint-flavored liquid suspension
\n\u2022 Half-green, half-white capsules
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Standard Dosage<\/strong><\/td> Tablets:
\r\n\u2022 25 mg
\r\n\u2022 50 mg
\r\n\u2022 100 mg
\r\n
\r\nExtended-release capsules:
\r\n\u2022 100 mg
\r\n\u2022 150 mg
\r\n<\/td>Liquid suspension:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n
\nCapsules:
\n\u2022 10mg per dose
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Conditions Treated<\/strong><\/td> FDA-approved uses:
\r\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\r\n
\r\nOff-label uses:
\r\n\u2022 Social phobia or social anxiety disorder (SAD)
\r\n\u2022 Major depressive disorder (MDD)
\r\n\u2022 Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
\r\n\u2022 Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
\r\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\r\n\u2022 Eating disorders
\r\n<\/td>FDA-approved uses:
\n\u2022 Anxiety and stress
\n\u2022 Major depression
\n\u2022 Bulimia nervosa
\n\u2022 Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
\n\u2022 Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
\n\u2022 Panic disorder
\n\u2022 Postpartum depression
\n\u2022 Schizoaffective disorder
\n
\nOff-label uses:
\n\u2022 Anorexia nervosa
\n\u2022 Premature ejaculation
\n\u2022 Various anxiety disorders
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Cost<\/strong><\/td> Generic form (fluvoxamine):
\r\n\u2022 $20 to $46 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\nBrand-name:
\r\n\u2022 $400 for a 30-day supply
\r\n
\r\n<\/td>Generic form (fluoxetine):
\n\u2022 $3 to $4 for 30-days\u2019 worth of capsules*
\n\u2022 $12 for 30 days\u2019 worth of liquid suspension
\n
\n*May cost up to $100 for high dosages
\n
\nBrand-name:
\n\u2022 $460 to $1000 for 30 days\u2019 worth of capsules<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Side-Effects<\/strong><\/td> Common side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Dry mouth
\r\n\u2022 Fatigue, dizziness
\r\n\u2022 GI upset, including abdominal pain, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation
\r\n\u2022 Headache
\r\n\u2022 Difficulty sleeping or insomnia
\r\n\u2022 Increased anxiety or nervousness
\r\n\u2022 Increased or excessive sweating
\r\n
\r\nSerious side effects:
\r\n\u2022 Trouble urinating
\r\n\u2022 Breathing problems
\r\n\u2022 Sexual dysfunction, including lack of desire or orgasm<\/td>Common side effects:
\n\u2022 Nausea
\n\u2022 Diarrhea or constipation
\n\u2022 Changes in appetite
\n\u2022 Headache and fatigue
\n\u2022 Increased sweating
\n\u2022 Trouble sleeping
\n\u2022 Impotence\/sexual dysfunction
\n
\nSerious side effects include:
\n\u2022 Fever
\n\u2022 High blood pressure
\n\u2022 Rigid muscles
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Kidney or respiratory failure
\n\u2022 Disorientation or delirium
\n\u2022 Serotonin syndrome
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n\n\t Warnings For Use<\/strong><\/td> Contraindicated conditions:
\r\n\u2022 Liver disease
\r\n\u2022 Prior heart attack or severe heart disease
\r\n\u2022 Heart arrhythmias
\r\n\u2022 Bipolar disorder or prior episodes of mania
\r\n\u2022 Seizure disorder
\r\n
\r\nDrug interactions:
\r\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\r\n\u2022 NSAID medications, including ibuprofen
\r\n\u2022 Warfarin and other blood-thinning medications
\r\n\u2022 Other SSRI medications and antidepressants
\r\n\u2022 ADHD medication, like Adderall
\r\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s Wort
\r\n\u2022 Most pain medications, including opioids
\r\n\u2022 Thiazide diuretics
\r\n\u2022 Recreational drugs, such as MDMA
\r\n<\/td>Contraindicated conditions:
\n\u2022 Diabetes
\n\u2022 Liver disease
\n\u2022 Alcohol use disorder
\n\u2022 History of bipolar disorder
\n\u2022 History of suicide attempts
\n\u2022 Low blood sodium or dehydration
\n\u2022 Seizures
\n\u2022 Gastrointestinal ulcers
\n\u2022 Glaucoma
\n
\nDrug Interactions:
\n\u2022 Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
\n\u2022 Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
\n\u2022 Aspirin and other blood thinners
\n\u2022 Antihistamines
\n\u2022 Opioid pain relievers
\n\u2022 St. John\u2019s wort
\n\u2022 Cannabis and MDMA
\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n\n\n\n\nWhat is Prozac?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Common Doses and Forms of Prozac<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Conditions Prozac Treats<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Prozac Can Treat Symptoms of Anxiety and Depression<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Off-label Uses for Prozac<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
\n
Prozac Costs<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Prozac Side Effects<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
\n
Prozac Warnings<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n
Prozac Drug Interactions<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
\n