Fluoxetine (trade names Prozac, Sarafem, Seronil, Rapiflux, Selfemra, and other) is an antidepressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. Fluoxetine was discovered and developed by scientists from Eli Lilly and Company. It was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of major depressive disorder in December 1987. The fluoxetine patent expired in August 2001, so generic formulations are now available.
Fluoxetine is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder (including pediatric depression), obsessive–compulsive disorder (in both adults and children), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. In addition, it is used to treat trichotillomania if cognitive behaviour therapy has been unsuccessful.