PTCE Top 200 · #18

Fluoxetine

Prozac

Fluoxetine is the generic name for the brand-name drug Prozac. It is a ssri antidepressant used to treat depression, OCD, bulimia. On the PTCE Top 200 drug list, Fluoxetine ranks #18 and is one of the most frequently tested cns/psych medications — commonly quizzed on its brand–generic pair, drug class, and key side effects.

Generic nameFluoxetine
Brand name(s)Prozac
Drug classSSRI antidepressant
Class groupCNS/Psych
Common usedepression, OCD, bulimia
DEA scheduleUnscheduled
AvailabilityPrescription only (Rx)

What is Fluoxetine used for?

SSRI for major depressive disorder; also used for OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and PMDD (indication varies by product).

What drug class is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is a SSRI antidepressant in the CNS/Psych group. Knowing the class is the fastest way to predict its uses, side effects, and the brand↔generic pairs the PTCE tests.

Common side effects of Fluoxetine

Major interactions

Is Fluoxetine a controlled substance?

No. Fluoxetine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

warning Boxed warning

BOXED WARNING: Antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults—monitor closely.

How to remember Fluoxetine (PTCE mnemonic)

PROzac PROlongs serotonin — FLUoxetine = SSRI with the longest half-life. Self-tapers BUT CYP2D6 interactions stick around.
lightbulb
PTCE exam tip

Fluoxetine is an SSRI with a notably long half-life. Watch the look-alike/sound-alike names fluoxetine / fluvoxamine / fluticasone.

Fluoxetine FAQ

What is the brand name for Fluoxetine?

The brand name for Fluoxetine is Prozac.

What is Fluoxetine used for?

Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, OCD, bulimia. SSRI for major depressive disorder; also used for OCD, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and PMDD (indication varies by product).

What drug class is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is a SSRI antidepressant (CNS/Psych group).

Is Fluoxetine a controlled substance?

No. Fluoxetine is not a federally controlled substance (it is unscheduled by the DEA).

Related drugs in the CNS/Psych group

Drill Fluoxetine the way the PTCE asks it

RxReflex turns the Top 200 drugs into fast flashcard rounds, a guided Learn path, pharmacy math, and 40+ cheat sheets. Free to start.

Last reviewed June 25, 2026. Educational use only — not medical advice. Verify clinical specifics with your pharmacist or a current label source such as DailyMed. RxReflex is not affiliated with or endorsed by the Pharmacy Technician Certification Board (PTCB).