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Fluoxetine (Prozac) for Teens: The Complete Guide

Author:
Hayley Snelling
Hayley Snelling
B.S. Psychology
Editor:
Emma Loker
Emma Loker
B.S.
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Depression and anxiety are becoming more common among teens, and knowing where to turn for help can feel overwhelming. One name that can often come up in conversations about mental health treatment is Prozac. But what is it, and is it safe for teenagers to use?

Whether you’re a teen or a parent, understanding how Prozac works, what it treats, and what to expect is the key to making informed choices about your treatment. Medication isn’t the perfect solution for everyone, and knowing the risks and benefits will help you make the right decision. 

On this page, we’ll cover everything you need to know about Prozac for teenagers so that you can consider your options with confidence. 

Fluoxetine (Prozac) for Teens

What is Fluoxetine and What Does it Treat in Teens?

Let’s start right at the beginning and take a look at what fluoxetine is and how it works. Fluoxetine is a type of antidepressant called an SSRI – a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It’s also known by its trade name Prozac. It works by balancing out levels of a chemical in the brain called serotonin, which is sometimes called a “feel-good” chemical because it plays a big part in regulating our moods as well as our sleep and appetite. People who experience anxiety or depression may have lower levels of serotonin than usually expected, so by adjusting the serotonin levels in the brain, your mood can improve.1

You may be wondering what Prozac treats in teens? Prozac is one of the most commonly prescribed SSRI medications for teens with depression, and it can help you cope with other mental health difficulties, including anxiety, OCD, and panic attacks.2 Research shows that Prozac seems to be the best treatment option for teenagers with moderate-to-severe depression and that Prozac for teen anxiety can be very effective at reducing symptoms, especially for generalized anxiety disorder and social phobia.3,4

Is Fluoxetine Safe for Teens?

One question that’s likely to be on your mind before you begin taking Prozac is: is it safe? Let’s answer that question right here, right now. 

FDA Approval

Medications are generally safe to take as long as you follow the instructions provided. The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved Prozac for use in teens with depression.5 FDA approval means that it has been thoroughly researched and has passed rigorous testing in children and teens, proving that it meets certain safety and effectiveness criteria. 

Prozac and Suicidal Thinking and Behavior

Prozac comes with a warning printed in bold black text inside a black box, which is known as the Black Box Warning. The FDA has found that antidepressants may increase suicidal thinking and behavior in people under 25 years old, and needs to make sure anyone taking Prozac is aware of this potential side effect. That way, you can keep an eye on your symptoms and if you start having suicidal thoughts you can seek immediate help.6 Although the warning sounds scary, keep in mind that you and your doctor will have decided whether taking Prozac is a good choice for you, and will have weighed up the benefits against the negatives while making this choice. 

Prozac and Teen Development

There is very little evidence that the developing teenage brain is at any risk from taking Prozac, however, there isn’t evidence to prove that there is absolutely no risk at all.7 When it comes to long-term Prozac use in teens, there isn’t much quality research into this topic either. One study did suggest that long-term use in children may affect growth, bone mineral density, weight gain, and increase the risk of developing type-2 diabetes, however, this was just one study, and more research is needed to determine any long-term risks.8 All of this is taken into consideration by your doctor when weighing up the risks and benefits of taking this medication. 

Teenage Side Effects of Prozac

One thing you may not realize is that all medications come with potential side effects. Side effects are usually temporary, showing up when you begin taking medication and fading within a few weeks. As one in ten children and teens experience side effects from SSRIs, it’s useful to be aware of what they are so that you can help them get through it.9  Some people don’t experience them at all, whereas others may find them difficult to deal with. Some of the most common side effects of Prozac are:2

  • Appetite changes
  • Nausea or upset stomach
  • Headaches
  • Restlessness
  • Sleep changes
  • Sweating
  • Drowsiness 

Some less common side effects include agitation, irritability, suicidal thoughts, and something known as ‘emotional blunting’. This is where people don’t find things as enjoyable as they used to. Because of this, some people wonder if teens can take Prozac and still feel emotions. The answer is yes, they can, although if they experience this emotional blunting side effect, they may have less intense feelings. 

Remember to tell your doctor about any side effects you experience so that they know how you are reacting to the medication. If you are dealing with particularly unpleasant side effects, there are always other treatment options available. 

What Happens When You Start Prozac?

When you are starting Prozac in adolescence, you won’t notice the positive effects straight away. For the first couple of weeks, you may experience some initial side effects, which you read about earlier. These tend to ease off within a few weeks as your body adjusts to the new medication. 

How Long Does Prozac Take to Work for Teens? 

Fluoxetine takes 20 to 35 days to reach a steady state in your body and brain because it takes a while to build up in your system.10 This time can vary slightly between individuals, but you should hope to see benefits like feeling better and symptoms improving within four to six weeks. You might notice that you feel more focused, that you are starting to enjoy doing activities again, and that you feel hopeful. 

Prozac Dosage for Teenagers

Prozac usually comes in the form of a capsule to be swallowed, usually daily. You can also get the generic fluoxetine version in liquid or tablet form. The exact dosage depends on the condition you are treating. For children with Major Depressive disorder, this starts at 10mg to 20mg per day. For OCD in children, this starts at 10mg per day. However, your doctor will decide what dose is best to start with, taking into consideration any other medications you take or challenges you face.11 They will also be able to adjust the dosage of the medication depending on how you feel and whether you experience any side effects.  This is why monitoring your symptoms and how you feel can be useful. You might want to jot them down in a notebook or in an app on your phone to keep track of whether you are feeling better, worse, or no change at all. Then you can discuss the best way forward with your doctor. 

How to Stop Taking Prozac Safely

When you’re ready to stop taking Prozac, you mustn’t just stop “cold turkey”. If you suddenly stop taking it, you risk experiencing withdrawal effects, which are unpleasant temporary physical and mental changes. The risk of withdrawal effects is much smaller when weaning off Prozac as a teen if you reduce your dose slowly with your doctor’s supervision. Even so, you could still experience some withdrawal effects lasting anywhere from days to months, depending on the dose you usually take, how long you’ve been taking Prozac, and how quickly or slowly you come off of them.12 Common withdrawal effects include:
  • Feeling flu-like symptoms (fatigue, aches and pains, headaches)
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Vivid dreams or nightmares
  • Mood changes
  • Tingling or shock-like sensations (sometimes known as ‘zaps’)

Tapering down your medication over time lets your body and brain get used to having less of the Prozac each day, making it less likely that you’ll have withdrawal effects, and making them less severe if you do have them. That’s why it’s so important to quit Prozac under your doctor’s guidance. 

Prozac vs Zoloft for Teens

Another commonly prescribed SSRI for teens is Zoloft, so you might be wondering what the difference is and whether one is going to be better for you than the other. While Prozac and Zoloft share some similarities in how they work, they also have some key differences when it comes to FDA approval and side effects: 
  • Prozac is FDA-approved for treating Major Depressive Disorder and OCD in teens. Zoloft is FDA-approved for treating teens with OCD but is also often prescribed for depression and anxiety. 
  • Zoloft is more likely to cause side effects of nausea and diarrhea than Prozac, while Prozac is more likely to cause headaches, nervousness, and an energy dip than Zoloft.13

Taking antidepressants is a very personal decision, and you can discuss with your doctor which particular SSRI will be best for you. 

How to Talk to Teens About Prozac

If you’re a parent wanting to talk to your teen about Prozac, here are some of our top tips:

1. Educate Yourself 

You’ll feel a lot more confident talking if you know about the subject already. Read up on what Prozac is used for, the conditions it can help, and answers to some common questions your teen might have. That way you can feel confident starting the conversation.

2. Communicate Honestly

Talk openly with your teen, ask them questions, listen to what they say, stay calm, and try not to be judgmental. If you can do this, then your teenager is more likely to feel comfortable coming to you to talk if they are having difficultie

3. Create a No Shame Zone

Let them see there isn’t anything taboo or shameful about mental health difficulties or taking medication to help. People take medications for all types of medical reasons, whether they are physical or mental challenges.  

4. Ask Direct Questions

It’s ok to ask if they are feeling depressed, anxious, or suicidal. If you are asking with compassion and understanding, you are more likely to get an honest answer and be able to help them. 

Encouraging open communication with your teen will make sure that they know they can come and talk to you about any concerns they have. That way, you can know how they feel and can find ways to help them cope. 

Fluoxetine (Prozac) for Teens: The Complete Guide

Seeking Support for Depression

If you or your teen are struggling with depression, know that there is support available for you. Here at Mission Prep, we specialize in helping teens with their mental health, including depression. Whether you are looking for help with medication, therapy, or lifestyle changes, we can support you on your journey to recovery. 

Depression affects everyone differently, which is why we provide a range of treatment options to help those who need anything from weekly therapy all the way through to 24/7 care.  Some of our treatment programs include:

Our team of mental health professionals is ready to help you today, so contact us now to find out the difference we can make to your mental health healing.

 

References

  1. Miller, C. (2024, November 18). Medication for kids with depression. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/article/medication-for-kids-with-depression/
  2. DiMaria, L. (2024, May 27). What you should know about Prozac for kids. Verywell Mind. https://www.verywellmind.com/possible-prozac-side-effects-in-children-1067011
  3. Zhou, X., Teng, T., Zhang, Y., Del Giovane, C., Furukawa, T. A., Weisz, J. R., Li, X., Cuijpers, P., Coghill, D., Xiang, Y., Hetrick, S. E., Leucht, S., Qin, M., Barth, J., Ravindran, A. V., Yang, L., Curry, J., Fan, L., Silva, S. G., … Xie, P. (2020). Comparative efficacy and acceptability of antidepressants, psychotherapies, and their combination for acute treatment of children and adolescents with depressive disorder: A systematic review and network meta-analysis. The Lancet Psychiatry, 7(7), 581–601. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(20)30137-1
  4. Birmaher, B., Axelson, D. A., Monk, K., Kalas, C., Clark, D. B., Ehmann, M., Bridge, J., Heo, J., & Brent, D. A. (2003). Fluoxetine for the treatment of childhood anxiety disorders. Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, 42(4), 415–423. https://doi.org/10.1097/01.chi.0000037049.04952.9f
  5. Office of the Commissioner. (2019, November 18). Depression medicines. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/consumers/womens-health-topics/depression-medicines
  6. Center for Drug Evaluation and Research. (2018, February 5). Suicidality in children and adolescents being treated with antidepressant medications. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. https://www.fda.gov/drugs/postmarket-drug-safety-information-patients-and-providers/suicidality-children-and-adolescents-being-treated-antidepressant-medications
  7. Cousins, L., & Goodyer, I. M. (2015). Antidepressants and the adolescent brain. Journal of Psychopharmacology, 29(5), 545–555. https://doi.org/10.1177/0269881115573542
  8. Murphy, S. E., Capitão, L. P., Giles, S. L. C., Cowen, P. J., Stringaris, A., & Harmer, C. J. (2021). The knowns and unknowns of SSRI treatment in young people with depression and anxiety: Efficacy, predictors, and mechanisms of action. The Lancet Psychiatry, 8(9), 824–835. https://doi.org/10.1016/s2215-0366(21)00154-1
  9. American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.). Antidepressants side effects: Pediatric mental health minute series. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/mental-health-minute/antidepressants-side-effects/
  10. American Psychological Association. (n.d.). Fluoxetine. APA Dictionary of Psychology. https://dictionary.apa.org/fluoxetine
  11. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. (1987). Highlights of prescribing information [Press release]. https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2017/018936s108lbl.pdf
  12. Pedersen, T. (2025, February 14). Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms timeline. Healthline. https://www.healthline.com/health/depression/antidepressant-withdrawal-symptoms-timeline
  13. Comer, J. (PharmD). (2019, July 8). What are the differences between Prozac and Zoloft? Medical News Today. https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325684

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