Key takeaways
Fluvoxamine and Prozac (generic name: fluoxetine) are both selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) but are used for different conditions. Fluvoxamine is primarily used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) and is available only in generic form. Prozac, on the other hand, is used to treat a wider range of conditions, including major depressive disorder (MDD), OCD, bulimia, panic disorder, depression from bipolar 1 disorder, and treatment-resistant depression. Fluvoxamine is typically taken once or twice daily, while Prozac can be taken daily or weekly, depending on the form. Both medications can cause side effects like nausea and sleep problems, but fluvoxamine is more likely to cause side effects such as diarrhea and has a higher risk of drug interactions. Prozac is less likely to cause weight gain compared to other SSRIs and is available in both brand and generic forms. Both medications require a prescription and should not be stopped suddenly to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
