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Fluoxetine hydrochloride (brands names include Prozac®, Fontex®, Symbyax®, and Sarafem®) is a drug used medically in the treament of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and many other disorders. Chemically, Fluoxetine is (N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-(α,α,α-trifluoro-p-tolyl)-oxypropylamine hydrochloride, C17H18F3NO·HCl) and, alone, it is a white crystalline solid. It is one of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors sold in pulvules containing 10 mg, 20 mg or 40 mg of active ingredient or in tablets containing 10 mg. Dosages in the range of 20-60 mg per day are standard, with 80 mg considered a maximum.
Fluoxetine has a wide range of interactions, notably with monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Common side-effects include anxiety, restlessness, trembling, weakness, skin rash, anorgasmia, itching and a decrease in sexual drive. Fluoxetine was introduced in the US in 1987 and became very popular, millions around the world have taken the medication. In the late 1990s there was something of a backlash. Lilly made billions with the sale of Prozac hence numerous accusations and lawsuits amounting to millions that the drug made users feel suicidal and/or caused other serious side effects were instigated. The accusations and lawsuits have been unsuccessful in stemming the use of the medication and in making the accusers some of those Lilly profits. The actual verified science that Prozac is harmful has yet to be proven. Currently (2/2004) the US FDA is considering similar controversial issues with Prozac and child and adolescent use.
There was a recnt controversy surrounding Eli Lilly and Company, the producer of Prozac. A class action lawsuit has been filed recently against Eli Lilly after several people received free samples of Prozac Weekly in the mail. Their right to privacy was apparently mishandled.
In December 2003 the FDA approved Symbyax® to treat bipolar depression. Symbyax® is a combination of fluoxetine and olanzapine.
The resources at the end of this article present a blend of views on this drug, some of which focus on the more controversial and unscientific issues.