NSTK · 01.2026Independent supplement reference
NutriStack
Edition 1.0Updated July 13, 2026

Fluoxetine

Prescription ·Exploratory record · not publication-reviewed ·Updated July 13, 2026

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Known for its exceptionally long half-life, which reduces the risk of discontinuation syndrome compared to other SSRIs. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

Evidence tier
Strong
Indexed sources
10 1991–2023
Interactions
0
Depletes
2 nutrients
Read the sources → Compare profiles
Publication status

Exploratory record, not a reviewed medical publication.

See the editorial and medical-review policies for the publication gate.

This generated database record has not completed a claim-level review by a qualified human medical reviewer. Bibliography links and evidence labels are not approval. The page remains available for reference and is excluded from search indexing.

In short

What the research says.

A quick, data-only summary. The full evidence, dosing, and sources are below.

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. NutriStack rates the supporting evidence as strong. Common adult dosing is 20–80 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician), though a prescriber sets the actual dose. With long-term use it can deplete sodium, folate. This profile indexes 10 sources.

What it's good for
  • Depression symptom relief4,5
  • OCD symptom reduction
  • Panic attack prevention
  • Bulimia nervosa treatment1
  • Premenstrual dysphoric disorder relief1,4
What to watch for
  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days; allow 5 weeks washout after stopping fluoxetine)
  • Concurrent pimozide or thioridazine use

The bottom line

Evidence rating strong. Most-documented uses: depression symptom relief, ocd symptom reduction, panic attack prevention. 10 sources indexed (1991–2023), with 0 interaction records on file.

The science

How it works, mechanistically.

Core mechanism

Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) by blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT). Its active metabolite norfluoxetine also potently inhibits SERT, contributing to the drug's prolonged duration of action. Also a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6, leading to clinically significant drug interactions with CYP2D6 substrates (e.g., codeine, tamoxifen, TCAs).

Class
SSRI
Dosing

Dosing & protocol.

Common range
20–80 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician)
Recommended form
Capsule, tablet, or oral solution

Can be taken with or without food. Morning dosing is generally preferred due to activating properties.

Depletions

What it depletes.

Nutrients this medication can lower over time, and what to replace.

Sodium

Significant

SSRI-induced SIADH can lower serum sodium, especially in older adults and during the first weeks of therapy.

Monitor Serum sodiumOnset Most often within the first 2-12 weeks

Folate

Mild

Lower folate status is associated with poorer SSRI response and may be reduced in some chronic users through altered one-carbon metabolism.

Replace MethylfolateMonitor Serum folate or RBC folateOnset Usually over months

Full Fluoxetine depletion and interaction guide →

Safety

Full safety detail.

Side effects

  • Nausea
  • Insomnia
  • Anxiety or nervousness
  • Sexual dysfunction
  • Headache
  • Decreased appetite
  • Tremor
  • Diarrhea

Contraindications

  • Concurrent MAOI use (within 14 days; allow 5 weeks washout after stopping fluoxetine)
  • Concurrent pimozide or thioridazine use
  • Known hypersensitivity to fluoxetine1,2
Sources

Sources, by evidence tier.

Numbered references. Citations throughout the page link here.

Meta-analyses & systematic reviews

5

Reviews & position papers

2

Reference material

3
FAQ

Common questions.

Quick answers about Fluoxetine, drawn from the data on this page.

What is Fluoxetine?

Prescription selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) approved for major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Known for its exceptionally long half-life, which reduces the risk of discontinuation syndrome compared to other SSRIs. Dosage must be determined by your prescribing physician.

What is Fluoxetine used for?

Commonly cited benefits of Fluoxetine include: Depression symptom relief; OCD symptom reduction; Panic attack prevention; Bulimia nervosa treatment; Premenstrual dysphoric disorder relief. NutriStack rates the overall evidence as strong.

What is a typical dose of Fluoxetine?

A typical adult dose of Fluoxetine is 20–80 mg daily (as prescribed by your physician). The commonly recommended form is Capsule, tablet, or oral solution. These are general ranges, not personalized advice; confirm the right dose with a clinician.

What are the side effects of Fluoxetine?

Reported side effects include nausea, insomnia, anxiety or nervousness, sexual dysfunction, headache, decreased appetite. This is educational information; check with a healthcare professional before use.

How strong is the evidence for Fluoxetine?

NutriStack rates this as Strong, meaning multiple high-quality meta-analyses or systematic reviews converge on the same finding. Full tier criteria are at https://nutristackapp.com/methodology/evidence-tiers.

Use this with your stack

Fluoxetine in NutriStack.

Add it to your stack, see how it interacts with everything else you take, and get a Stack Score that updates the moment it does.

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NutriStack is an informational and organizational tool, not a medical service, and not a substitute for professional advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any supplement or medication.