Prozac
(Fluoxetine)
Prozac is one of the most recognised antidepressants in the world. The active ingredient, fluoxetine, was among the first SSRIs approved by the FDA and has decades of safety data behind it. It is effective for depression, OCD, bulimia, and panic disorder.
Most students with insurance pay a $25 average copay. No insurance? Sessions start at $110.
Prozac has a longer half-life than most SSRIs, which means it stays in your system longer and discontinuation is generally smoother. It is frequently paired with therapy and is a common first choice for adolescents and adults alike.
How Semester Health works
Getting started at Semester health is easy and personalized.
Book a free 15-minute consult
Tell us a little about yourself — no pressure, no commitment. Just a conversation.
Meet your provider
Connect with a licensed therapist or psychiatric provider via video or in person in Texas.
Attend regular sessions
Flexible, personalized care tailored to your life and your semester.
The people behind your care
We connect you with a carefully curated network of psychiatrists vetted for clinical excellence and exceptional patient experience. With a wide range of specialties, backgrounds, and approaches, you’ll find a provider who understands your individual needs and can create a medication management plan tailored to you.
Your insurance questions, answered.
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Prozac (fluoxetine) is FDA-approved for depression, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, bipolar depression (with a mood stabiliser), and PMDD.
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Prozac and its active metabolite stay in the body for 1–4 weeks after stopping. This makes discontinuation easier but also means it takes longer to clear your system if a change is needed.
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Most people notice early improvements in sleep and energy within 1–2 weeks, with full antidepressant effects by week 4–6.
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Nausea, insomnia, headache, and reduced appetite are common early on. These tend to improve after the first few weeks.
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Some people feel slightly more anxious in the first week or two. This typically passes. Starting at a low dose helps minimise this effect.
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Yes — Prozac inhibits certain liver enzymes and can raise the levels of other drugs in your system. Share your full medication list with your psychiatrist.
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Prozac is one of the few antidepressants FDA-approved for use in children and adolescents for depression and OCD. A psychiatrist will monitor closely, especially in the early weeks.
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Book a free consult. Our psychiatrists will review your history and determine whether Prozac is a good fit for you.