Key takeaways
Prozac (fluoxetine) and trazodone are both medications used to treat depression, but they belong to different drug classes. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), while trazodone is an atypical antidepressant. Prozac is also used to treat conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder, whereas trazodone is sometimes used off-label for insomnia. Prozac is typically taken once daily, but trazodone may be taken multiple times a day depending on your condition. Common side effects of Prozac include headaches, difficulty sleeping, and tiredness, while trazodone often causes sleepiness, dry mouth, and dizziness. Prozac can take up to 2 months to show full effects, whereas trazodone might start working within a week for depression. Both medications can cause withdrawal symptoms if stopped abruptly and have risks of serious side effects like serotonin syndrome and suicidal thoughts.
