Prozac Alternatives to Consider — Talkspace

Prozac (fluoxetine) is a common antidepressant in the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs work by altering levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain to enhance mood.

SSRIs like Prozac are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants for treating major depressive disorder (MDD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and some others when prescribed. They have fewer side effects than other antidepressants, but they’re not suitable for everyone. 

People might look for alternatives to Prozac for a variety of reasons. They may be concerned about Prozac side effects, want a more natural approach to treating their symptoms, or the drug might just not work for them. In recent years, interest in holistic mental health treatment has increased as people become more willing to explore natural remedies to treat various conditions. 
If you’re interested in learning more about Prozac alternatives, read on. We’re covering what you need to know about different types of antidepressant drugs you can try instead and some of the popular natural remedies available today. Once you have all the information, you can talk to your doctor and determine the best, most effective treatment plan for your needs and symptoms.

Alternative Medications to Prozac

Recently, more people have become interested in learning about medications that can serve as a Prozac substitute. Fortunately, there are numerous drugs available to consider.

1. Celexa (citalopram)

Celexa, or the generic name citalopram, is another antidepressant medication in the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class that helps balance mood by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Before switching from Prozac to Celexa, you should talk to your doctor about potential adverse effects. Significant effects to be aware of include a link to heart issues and an increased risk of interactions with other drugs.

• Conditions Celexa can treat: Celexa primarily treats major depressive disorder, but is also used off-label to treat anxiety and other conditions.

• Common side effects of Celexa: Some common side effects people may experience are increased sweating, headache, diarrhea, nausea, insomnia, and fatigue.

2. Cymbalta (duloxetine)

Cymbalta (duloxetine) is one of the main alternatives to Prozac for depression and anxiety. It also works by altering neurotransmitters linked to mood swings. Note that Cymbalta is associated with high blood pressure and liver problems if misused.

• Conditions Cymbalta can treat: FDA-approved uses of Cymbalta include major depressive disorder, generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), fibromyalgia, chronic musculoskeletal pain, and diabetic neuropathic pain. It’s also used off-label to treat stress urinary incontinence and chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy.

• Common side effects of Cymbalta: Common Cymbalta side effects include headaches, difficulty sleeping, blurred vision, constipation or diarrhea, and dry mouth.

3. Lexapro (escitalopram)

Lexapro (escitalopram) is a popular alternative to Prozac. The drug works similarly to the others listed here, but it has fewer reported side effects that sometimes make it worth considering above other alternatives. Curious how this medication compares to Prozac? Check out our comparison of Lexapro vs. Prozac.

• Conditions Lexapro can treat: Lexapro is used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. It is also used off-label to treat some eating disorders, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder, and more.
• Common side effects of Lexapro: Common Lexapro side effects include dry mouth, nausea, trouble sleeping, dizziness, and constipation.

4. Paxil (paroxetine)

Paxil is also in the SSRI class of drugs. It affects chemical levels in the brain that might be unbalanced in people with anxiety, depression, and other mental health conditions. Note that compared to other SSRIs, Paxil has more reported side effects. If you’re curious how the side effects compare to Prozac’s side effects, check out our guide on Paxil vs. Prozac.

• Conditions Paxil can treat: Paxil is FDA-approved to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, OCD, and some anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder and generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). It’s also used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and is used off-label for separation anxiety, body dysmorphic disorder, OCD in children, and more. 

• Common side effects of Paxil: Side effects of Paxil include sexual dysfunction, drowsiness, and weight gain.

ALTERNATIVES TO PROZAC	USES	COMMON SIDE EFFECTS
Celexa (citalopram)	Major depressive disorder	Headache Dry mouth  Nausea Restlessness Diarrhea Increased sweating Drug interactions Nervousness Fatigue Difficulty sleeping (insomnia)  Sexual side effects Increased risk of heart issues
Cymbalta (duloxetine)	Major depressive disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Pain caused by diabetic neuropathy Chronic musculoskeletal pain Fibromyalgia	Lightheadedness  Loss of appetite Nausea Dry mouth Tiredness Constipation Drowsiness Increased sweating Dizziness
Lexapro (escitalopram)	Major depressive disorder Generalized anxiety disorder	Dry mouth Nausea Difficulty sleeping Confusion Diarrhea or constipation Headache Sexual dysfunction Dizziness or drowsiness
Paxil (paroxetine)	Depression Obsessive-compulsive disorder Generalized anxiety disorder Panic disorder Social anxiety disorder Post-traumatic stress disorder Premenstrual dysphoric disorder	Dry mouth Blurred vision Sexual dysfunction Dizziness or drowsiness Constipation Sleepiness Loss of appetite or upset stomach Weight loss

Natural Alternatives to Prozac

If you’re looking for natural alternatives to Prozac for depression, anxiety, or another condition, you have several options to consider. Research suggests that some natural remedies and herbal supplements can be effective for some people. 

5. Holistic approaches 

• Exercise: Physical activity is a powerful mood booster that releases endorphins, the body’s natural feel-good chemicals.

• Sunlight and light therapy: Research links depression symptoms to low levels of Vitamin D. Thus, regular exposure to sunlight can potentially help some people with depression. When treating seasonal affect disorder (SAD), light boxes provide artificial light that can also be beneficial.

• Diet: A healthy and balanced diet rich in complex carbohydrates, fruits, vegetables, whole grains, and legumes might help lift your mood naturally.

• Sleep: A regular circadian rhythm and well-maintained sleep helps neurotransmitter levels to stay optimal.

6. Natural supplements

• St. John’s wort: St. John’s wort has been used for centuries as an herbal remedy known for its antidepressant properties. While the evidence isn’t conclusive, and more research should be done, some studies show that St. John’s might be an effective way to treat depression in some cases. 

• Omega-3 fatty acids: More research is necessary, but a meta-analysis of dozens of studies found that thousands of participants saw beneficial effects of Omega-3s on depressive symptoms. Additional research also suggests Omega-3 fatty acids might be useful as a non-pharmacological treatment for depression and other mood disorders. 

• S-Adenosyl-L-Methionine (SAMe): Research suggests that SAMe might be beneficial for depression, although, like so many other natural or holistic supplements, more research is needed. More than 40 studies suggest that SAMe might be effective in treating depressive symptoms, but unfortunately, most of them are short-term studies that only lasted a couple of weeks. 

7. Therapy

Talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy) is proven to positively impact the outcome of mental health treatment — in fact, up to 75% of people who seek therapy see benefits. 

“Therapy can be as effective as Prozac in treating symptoms of depression and anxiety. If symptoms are mild, patients are more likely to respond well to therapy alone.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

Countless studies show that when therapy is combined with medication, the results are superior to when either treatment is used alone. 

Talkspace is a secure online platform that offers convenient, affordable access to therapy. Whether you want to combine therapy with other forms of treatment or you want to use it as an alternative to Prozac for managing your mental health condition, Talkspace makes the process easier than ever. 

Considerations for Switching to a Prozac Alternative

If you’re looking for alternatives to Prozac for anxiety, depression, or any other condition, talking to your doctor about all the implications of making a switch is critical.

Every person can react differently to medication and treatment plans. Monitoring how your body responds if you’ve recently switched medications is essential. While known and common side effects exist for every drug, that doesn’t mean everybody will experience every side effect. Make sure to contact your doctor if you have any side effect that worsens or is concerning or unexpected.

Talk to your doctor about:

• Your current health status
• Other drugs and supplements you are taking
• Possible side effects of any new medication you’re considering
• Efficacy of alternatives

“Due to its long half-life, Prozac does not need to be reduced before stopping. Even on the highest dose of 80 mg daily, you can stop taking Prozac “cold turkey,” and the metabolites of the medication will work their way out of your system on their own. It’s important to know the risk of switching to a Prozac alternative is that other treatments may not be as effective as Prozac. This opens the door for symptoms of depression or anxiety to return within weeks or months of switching.”

– Talkspace psychiatrist Dr. Dion Metzger, MD

Find the Right Alternative with Talkspace 

Finding the right treatment plan when searching for Prozac alternatives can be an exhausting, daunting experience — especially if you’re trying to do it on your own. Talkspace’s online psychiatry services offer a convenient, affordable, easily accessible way to get advice about medication and treatment plans that suit your needs and symptoms. 

Our licensed mental health professionals can guide you toward better mental health. Whether Prozac isn’t working for you and you want to consider a new drug, or you’re looking for natural alternatives to treat your depression, we can help.

Reach out to Talkspace today to learn more about alternatives to Prozac that might be effective for you.