Fluoxetine is a medication belonging to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. It is primarily used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It is also sometimes used in combination with olanzapine to treat bipolar depression and treatment-resistant depression. Fluoxetine works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, a neurotransmitter associated with mood regulation. First approved by the FDA in 1987 under the brand name Prozac, it was one of the first SSRIs to be widely adopted and remains a commonly prescribed antidepressant. (NIH ODS, FDA label)
Deep dive
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Known interactions
Category rule: supplement × medication
Note
Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist.
Category rule: vitamin × medication
Note
Certain vitamins interact with specific medications (e.g., vitamin K with blood thinners).
Specific pairs are checked against a licensed source; confirm with your provider.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
Combining SSRIs/SNRIs with MAOIs can cause life-threatening serotonin syndrome.
Do not combine. Allow at least 14 days between stopping one and starting the other (5 weeks for fluoxetine).
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
5-HTP raises serotonin and layered onto an SSRI/SNRI risks serotonin syndrome.
Avoid combining 5-HTP with prescription serotonergic antidepressants.
Compound-pair rule
Caution
Additional serotonin precursor with an SSRI/SNRI can push serotonin too high.
Do not combine without a prescribing clinician's guidance.
Compound-pair rule
Avoid
St John's Wort has serotonergic activity and induces CYP3A4, altering SSRI levels.
Avoid combining.
Frequently asked
Sources referenced
["NIH Office of Dietary Supplements (ODS)", "MedlinePlus (National Library of Medicine)", "PubChem (National Library of Medicine)", "Mayo Clinic", "FDA label (U.S. Food and Drug Administration)", "EMA SmPC (European Medicines Agency Summary of Product Characteristics)", "Cochrane Library", "DrugBank"]
Stackwise compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician.
Related compounds
Others in the medication category or studied for the same goals.
