Prozac is the brand name for fluoxetine hydrochloride, an anti-depression medication approved by the FDA in 1987. Fluoxetine is a prescription medication which is available both as a generic drug and under the brand names Prozac and Sarafem. Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. Like other SSRIs, fluoxetine is believed to work by increasing the brain's supply of serotonin and correcting an existing chemical imbalance, thereby improving mood and creating a feeling of well-being. Fluoxetine is most commonly used in the treatment of depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic attacks. Prozac is available in ten, twenty, and forty milligram doses, and can be found in both tablets and capsules. Take fluoxetine with water and never take extra doses. Once you have been taking fluoxetine regularly, do not suddenly stop taking it as withdrawal symptoms can occur. Dizziness, drowsiness, nausea, and loss of appetite are the most commonly reported side effects of fluoxetine, but please ask your doctor for a complete list. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience severe mood changes, worsening depression, suicidal thoughts, or any other significant changes. Fluoxetine should not be taken with MAO Inhibitors like Nardil, or by anyone who suffers from seizures, has liver problems, or is pregnant. Ask your doctor for a full list of medications and conditions that shouldn't be combined with fluoxetine. Prozac is a commonly used drug and it can often help people with depression, OCD, and other disorders. However, Fluoxetine must always be used under the direct care of a physician. Please ask for and review all of the patient information provided by your doctor before taking fluoxetine. The information in this video is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise of your physician. Always consult your doctor before using this drug.