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What is Generic Prozac®?

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

Generic Prozac® is fluoxetine that is processed and distributed without the use of the brand name Prozac®. As with many types of generic medications, there is some difference of opinion on whether this form of antidepressant drug is as effective as the brand product. However, many people do find generic Prozac® to be helpful in dealing with emotional distress as well as being much more affordable.

Prozac® was first developed in 1970 by pharmaceutical giant Eli Lilly. As is true with many modern medications, the focus at the time was not on developing a product to aid in recovery from depression. However, tests involving the prototype indicated the efficacy of the product to help with the melancholy, apathy, and general feelings of worthlessness and fatigue that are so common with many forms of depression. To this day, Prozac® remains one of the most popular of all antidepressants.

Doctors can prescribe generic Prozac to treat depression.
Doctors can prescribe generic Prozac to treat depression.

After the expiration of the original patent on the drug, other pharmaceutical companies began to develop their own generic brands of Prozac®. The result has been several companies that supply generic Prozac® to many pharmacies around the world. In many countries, the generic version is considered a controlled substance and is only available with a prescription issued by a qualified physician.

There are opposing opinions on whether the generic medication is as effective as the brand product.
There are opposing opinions on whether the generic medication is as effective as the brand product.

For the patient, one of the immediate benefits associated with generic Prozac® is the difference in cost. In general, the generic version is only a fraction of the cost associated with the name brand. As is true with many generic drugs, insurance providers tend to favor the use of the generic version over the name brand. There are a growing number of health insurance providers that will only cover the charges associated with the name brand if it is not possible to obtain generic Prozac® in the area where the patient resides.

Generic Prozac has been used to treat people suffering with emotional distress.
Generic Prozac has been used to treat people suffering with emotional distress.

As with the original product, there is the potential for side effects with the use of generic Prozac® medication. Especially during the first couple of months, the patient may experience some nausea as well as short periods of insomnia. Increased anxiety and general nervousness are reported by some users, as well as some trembling in the hands. As is true with many antidepressant medications, the patient may experience a loss of interested in sex or increased difficulty in reaching orgasm. For some patients, these side effects are short-lived and relatively mild. However, others do report severe side effects and may require an adjustment in the dosage or a switch to another medication altogether.

To this day, Prozac remains one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market.
To this day, Prozac remains one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market.

While insurance companies tend to support generic Prozac® as being just as effective as the brand name product, not everyone agrees. Some physicians believe that the generic version takes longer to begin providing relief to patients and may sometimes specify that the Prozac® prescription must be filled with the name brand and not with a generic drug. Anecdotal evidence from former patients also indicate the generic version does not work as well for some people. However, many patients report success using generic Prozac®, which appears to support the claims of the healthcare companies.

Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...
Malcolm Tatum
Malcolm Tatum

After many years in the teleconferencing industry, Michael decided to embrace his passion for trivia, research, and writing by becoming a full-time freelance writer. Since then, he has contributed articles to a variety of print and online publications, including WiseGEEK, and his work has also appeared in poetry collections, devotional anthologies, and several newspapers. Malcolm’s other interests include collecting vinyl records, minor league baseball, and cycling.

Learn more...

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    • Doctors can prescribe generic Prozac to treat depression.
      By: Alexander Raths
      Doctors can prescribe generic Prozac to treat depression.
    • There are opposing opinions on whether the generic medication is as effective as the brand product.
      By: fabiomax
      There are opposing opinions on whether the generic medication is as effective as the brand product.
    • Generic Prozac has been used to treat people suffering with emotional distress.
      By: michaeljung
      Generic Prozac has been used to treat people suffering with emotional distress.
    • To this day, Prozac remains one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market.
      By: Boyarkina Marina
      To this day, Prozac remains one of the most prescribed antidepressants on the market.
    • Uncontrollable crying is one of the most common symptoms of Prozac withdrawal.
      By: kmiragaya
      Uncontrollable crying is one of the most common symptoms of Prozac withdrawal.
    • A patient on generic Prozac may experience periods of insomnia during the first couple of months.
      By: Photographee.eu
      A patient on generic Prozac may experience periods of insomnia during the first couple of months.