Is fluoxetine a good drug for anxiety?

Yes, fluoxetine (brand name Prozac) is a medication that can be effective in treating anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions.

Several studies have shown that fluoxetine can be effective in treating various anxiety disorders, including generalized anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). For example, a systematic review published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that fluoxetine was effective in treating panic disorder and OCD, among other conditions.

However, like any medication, fluoxetine may not work for everyone or may come with side effects that some patients find intolerable. It’s important to work closely with a healthcare provider to determine if fluoxetine is the right choice for you and to monitor your symptoms and side effects while taking the medication. Additionally, therapy and other non-medication treatments may be used in conjunction with fluoxetine to maximize the effectiveness of treatment.


There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.

You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as: