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Fluoxetine Coupon - Fluoxetine 20mg capsule

fluoxetine

Generic Prozac
Used for Depression, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Eating Disorders
Used for Depression, Panic Disorder, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder, PTSD, Eating Disorders

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that’s FDA approved for people. But veterinarians commonly prescribe it off-label for cats and dogs with behavior problems like aggression, separation anxiety, or territory marking. This medication comes as tablets, capsules, and liquid that’s given once a day. The most common side effects of fluoxetine for pets are low energy, low appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and shaking.

Note: There’s an FDA-approved form of fluoxetine for dogs called Reconcile that comes as a chewable tablet.

Last reviewed on February 26, 2025
Paws

For pets

Fluoxetine can be prescribed or used off-label by a licensed veterinarian for pets. Medications prescribed for pets aren't intended for human use.

basics-icon

What is Fluoxetine for pets?

What is Fluoxetine for pets used for?

How Fluoxetine for pets works

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by raising the serotonin levels in your pet’s brain. Serotonin is responsible for your pet’s mood. It can affect their anxiety and other behaviors.

When your pet has more serotonin in the brain, it helps improve their behavior problems.

Are you looking for information on Reconcile (fluoxetine) instead?

Drug Facts

Common BrandsProzac
Drug ClassSSRI
Controlled Substance ClassificationNot a controlled medication
Generic StatusLower-cost generic available
AvailabilityPrescription only

More on Fluoxetine essentials

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What are the side effects of Fluoxetine for pets?

The following side effects might get better over time as your pet gets used to the medication. Let your veterinarian know immediately if your pet continues to experience these symptoms or if they worsen over time.

Common Side Effects

  • Low energy
  • Sleepiness
  • Low appetite
  • Shaking, shivering, or tremors
  • Whining or being very vocal
  • For cats only: Behavior changes like irritability, changes in bathroom habits

Other Side Effects

  • Vomiting
  • Diarrhea
  • A lot of panting
  • Drooling
  • Restlessness

Serious Side Effects

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet experiences any of the following.

The following side effects have also been reported

Along with its needed effects, a medicine may cause some unwanted effects. Although not all of these side effects may occur, if they do occur they may need medical attention.

Check with your doctor immediately if any of the following side effects occur:

More common

Hives, itching, or skin rash

inability to sit still

restlessness

Less common

Chills or fever

joint or muscle pain

Rare

Anxiety

cold sweats

confusion

convulsions (seizures)

cool pale skin

diarrhea

difficulty with concentration

drowsiness

dryness of the mouth

excessive hunger

fast or irregular heartbeat

headache

increased sweating

increased thirst

lack of energy

mood or behavior changes

overactive reflexes

purple or red spots on the skin

racing heartbeat

shakiness or unsteady walk

shivering or shaking

talking, feeling, and acting with excitement and activity you cannot control

trouble with breathing

unusual or incomplete body or facial movements

unusual tiredness or weakness

Incidence not known

Abdominal or stomach pain

agitation

back or leg pains

bleeding gums

blindness

blistering, peeling, or loosening of the skin

bloating

blood in the urine or stools

bloody, black or tarry stools

blue-yellow color blindness

blurred vision

chest pain or discomfort

clay-colored stools

constipation

continuing vomiting

cough or dry cough

dark urine

decreased urine output

decreased vision

depression

difficulty with breathing

difficulty with swallowing

dizziness or lightheadedness

eye pain

fainting

fast, pounding, or irregular heartbeat or pulse

general body swelling

high fever

hives, itching, puffiness or swelling of the eyelids or around the eyes, face, lips, or tongue

hostility

indigestion

irregular or slow heart rate

irritability

large, hive-like swelling on the face, eyelids, lips, tongue, throat, hands, legs, feet, or sex organs

light-colored stools

loss of appetite

loss of bladder control

muscle twitching

nausea

nightmares

no blood pressure or pulse

noisy breathing

nosebleeds

pain in the ankles or knees

painful, red lumps under the skin, mostly on the legs

pains in the stomach, side, or abdomen, possibly radiating to the back

pinpoint red spots on the skin

rapid weight gain

red or irritated eyes

red skin lesions, often with a purple center

redness, tenderness, itching, burning, or peeling of the skin

severe muscle stiffness

severe sleepiness

slurred speech

sore throat

sores, ulcers, or white spots on the lips or in the mouth

stopping of heart

sudden shortness of breath or troubled breathing

sudden weakness in the arms or legs

sudden, severe chest pain

swelling of the face, ankles, or hands

swollen or painful glands

thoughts of killing oneself

tightness in the chest

tiredness

twitching, twisting, or uncontrolled repetitive movements of the tongue, lips, face, arms, or legs

unconsciousness

unpleasant breath odor

unusual bleeding or bruising

unusual drowsiness, dullness, tiredness, weakness, or feeling of sluggishness

unusually pale skin

use of extreme physical or emotional force

vomiting of blood

yellow eyes or skin

Some side effects may occur that usually do not need medical attention. These side effects may go away during treatment as your body adjusts to the medicine. Also, your health care professional may be able to tell you about ways to prevent or reduce some of these side effects. Check with your health care professional if any of the following side effects continue or are bothersome or if you have any questions about them:

More common

Decreased appetite

Less common or rare

Abnormal dreams

breast enlargement or pain

change in sense of taste

changes in vision

feeling of warmth or heat

flushing or redness of the skin, especially on face and neck

frequent urination

hair loss

increased appetite

increased sensitivity of the skin to sunlight

menstrual pain

stomach cramps, gas, or pain

unusual secretion of milk, in females

weight loss

yawning

Incidence not known

Cracks in the skin

loss of heat from the body

painful or prolonged erections of the penis

scaly skin

swelling of the breasts or breast soreness in both females and males

unusual milk production

Other side effects not listed may also occur in some patients. If you notice any other effects, check with your healthcare professional.

Call your doctor for medical advice about side effects. You may report side effects to the FDA at 1-800-FDA-1088.

pros-and-cons

Pros and cons of Fluoxetine for pets

thumbs-up

Pros

Comes in many forms (capsules, tablets, or liquid) to make it easy to give to your pet

Given once a day

A first-choice treatment for separation anxiety

thumbs-down

Cons

Doesn't work immediately (might take weeks to see an effect on behavior)

Your pet will probably have to take this medication for the rest of their life

Might not work for all behavior problems

pharmacist-tips

Pharmacist tips for Fluoxetine for pets

pharmacist
  • Give your pet fluoxetine once a day at the same time each day. Your pet should swallow fluoxetine pills whole.

    • You can give your pet fluoxetine with or without food. If your pet gets sick or vomits after taking it, try giving the medication with a small amount of food next time.

      • Don’t give your pet any aged cheeses while they’re taking fluoxetine. Also, don’t hide the tablets or capsules in these types of cheese to get your pet to take the medication. Aged cheeses (like cheddar, parmesan, and Swiss cheese) can interact with this medication. Use a soft cheese like cream cheese instead.

        • Don't stop giving fluoxetine suddenly. If your pet stops taking the medication suddenly, they can have withdrawal symptoms such as vomiting, anxiety, or shaking. Talk with your veterinarian about how to stop this medication if needed.

          • Don't use flea collars on your pet while they’re taking fluoxetine. Some ingredients in flea collars can interact with fluoxetine and affect how it works. Wait 2 weeks to start fluoxetine if your pet has worn a flea collar because there can still be medication from the flea collar in your pet’s body. Talk to your vet about other flea prevention methods to use while your pet is taking fluoxetine.

            • If you have trouble getting your cat to take fluoxetine by mouth, you could have it made into a topical gel that you can put onto their ear. Always wear gloves to rub this topical gel onto the inside of your cat’s ear (called the pinna). Make sure other animals in your home don't lick your cat’s ears. Talk to your veterinarian about dosing and other specific instructions if your cat needs the compounded gel.

              • Use behavior modification along with fluoxetine to help improve your pet’s behavior problems as best as you can. There are many different ways to help keep your pet calm, like sticking to a routine or playing music when you're not home. Ask your vet about other behavior modifications for cats and for dogs that might work for your pet.

                Tips for the liquid form of fluoxetine:

                • Don’t use household spoons to measure the dose since they come in various sizes. Your pet could get too much or too little medication if you use household spoons to measure out and give the medication to them. Use the provided medication measuring device like a cup or oral syringe to measure instead.

                  • Vets typically recommend liquid fluoxetine that’s specially made instead of the commercially-available mint-flavored version. The medication can be made into a flavored liquid that’s safer and tastes better for pets. Mint can be harmful to pets. Giving them anything with mint could make them want to eat other mint-flavored things that might be harmful.

                    • Keep the bottle of liquid fluoxetine protected from light at room temperature.

                      faqs

                      Frequently asked questions about Fluoxetine for pets

                      How long does it take fluoxetine to work for dogs?
                      It can generally take SSRIs like fluoxetine weeks to months to fully work to improve behavior problems in dogs. Some owners might notice a difference in their dog’s behavior before then. But it depends on each individual dog and the specific behavior problem they have. For example, a study showed that certain behavior problems started to improve after about 2 weeks of treatment. In another study of aggressive dogs, it took a month or two of treatment to see positive changes in behavior. If your dog’s behavior hasn’t improved after 8 weeks of taking fluoxetine, you should talk to your veterinarian about changing their dose or their medication.
                      How long does it take fluoxetine to work for cats?
                      It depends on how your cat responds to fluoxetine. Behavior can improve within the first few weeks of treatment for some cats. But in general, it can take several weeks or months of treatment with SSRIs like fluoxetine to see the medication’s full effect. If you haven’t noticed a change in your cat’s behavior after they’ve taken fluoxetine for 8 weeks, talk to your vet about changing their dose or about trying different treatment options.
                      How do you administer fluoxetine to cats?
                      It can be tricky to give medications to cats, so you might have to be creative to get them to take fluoxetine. You can hide fluoxetine tablets or capsules in food that hides the scent of the medication like tuna or salmon. Don’t use aged cheese (like cheddar, gouda, or colby cheese) for this though since these types of cheese interfere with fluoxetine. You can also buy commercially-available pill pockets that can hide capsules or tablets. If these tricks don’t work, ask your vet to change the prescription to a liquid form of fluoxetine or a specially-made topical gel. These forms of the medication can help make giving it to your cat more manageable.
                      Is fluoxetine safe for dogs?
                      Fluoxetine is generally safe for most dogs. But don’t give fluoxetine to dogs that have seizures and dogs that are taking medications that give them a higher risk of having a seizure (like acepromazine). These dogs are at greater risk of having a seizure during treatment, which can be serious. Talk to a vet if your dog has diabetes or liver problems too since this medication might not be safe for them. If your dog is prescribed fluoxetine, follow your vet’s instructions carefully to make sure you’re giving your dog a safe amount of the medication. Accidentally giving your dog too much fluoxetine can cause aggression, seizures, weakness, and loss of coordination. Call your vet or a pet poison helpline if this happens.
                      Is fluoxetine safe for cats?
                      Fluoxetine is safe for most cats. But talk to your vet about the risks and benefits for your cat if they have epilepsy or a history of seizures, diabetes, or liver problems. If your cat needs to take fluoxetine, be sure to follow your vet’s exact instructions to make sure you’re giving your pet a safe amount of medication. Cats that have accidentally taken too much of fluoxetine are at risk for seizures, drooling, loss of appetite, coordination problems, and slow heart rate. Contact your veterinarian, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-426-4435), or the Pet Poison Helpline (1-855-764-7661) for advice on what to do if this happens.
                      Should I give my pet fluoxetine in the morning or at night?
                      It doesn’t matter if you give fluoxetine to your pet in the morning or at night. There aren’t any studies that look at whether the medication works best at a particular time of day. Some vets prefer to give fluoxetine at night so that it works at the start of the next day and continues to work throughout the day. Other vets might suggest giving the medication to your pet in the morning if it’s easier for you to remember. Giving it in the morning might also help prevent your pet from getting too sleepy during the day. In general, choose a time of day that’s convenient for you and that seems to work best for your pet. Be sure to give your pet fluoxetine at the same time every day, regardless of what time of day you choose.
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                      What are the risks and warnings for Fluoxetine for pets?

                      Fluoxetine can cause some serious health issues. This risk might be even higher for certain pets. If this worries you, talk to your veterinarian about other options.

                      risk-warning

                      Seizures

                      • Risk factors: Epilepsy or a history of seizures | Taking other medications that increase the risk for seizures

                        Pets that take fluoxetine might have a higher risk of having a seizure. Talk with your vet about your pet’s risk for seizures before they start this medication. Your pet might be at risk if they have a head injury, a brain tumor, or diabetes. Additionally, tell your veterinarian about all medications that your pet takes. Your vet will know if your pet has seizure conditions based on their medication list.

                        Get emergency vet care if you think that your pet is having a seizure. Seizures in dogs and seizures in cats might look different. Dogs might drool, stare into “space,” pace around, vomit, urinate, defecate, whine or bark loudly, make a paddling motion with their legs, or lose consciousness when they have a seizure. Cats can have similar symptoms as well as repeated swallowing, lip smacking, face twitching, or hiding.

                        risk-warning

                        Serotonin syndrome

                        • Risk factors: Taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) | Taking other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) | Taking other medications that increase serotonin

                          Talk to your veterinarian about all your pet’s medications before you start giving fluoxetine to your pet. Certain medications, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) like selegiline, can interact with fluoxetine. Giving these medications together raises the risk that your pet could develop a rare but serious side effect called serotonin syndrome.

                          Because of the risk for serotonin syndrome, your pet shouldn't start fluoxetine if they’re currently taking an MAOI. You’ll need to wait 14 days after you stop giving them an MAOI before your pet can start fluoxetine. This waiting period gives your pet enough time to get rid of all of the medication it still has in their body.

                          Get vet care right away if you notice that your pet has a fever, fast heart rate, or diarrhea. These can be signs or symptoms of serotonin syndrome, which is a medical emergency that requires immediate help.

                          dosage

                          Fluoxetine dosage forms

                          The average cost for 30 capsules of 20mg of Fluoxetine is $3.00 with a free GoodRx coupon. This is 88.72% off the average retail price of $26.59.
                          bottle of oral solution
                          Bottle of oral solution
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          120ml of 20mg/5ml1 bottle$33.92$33.92
                          capsule
                          Capsule
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          10mg30 capsules$2.70$0.09
                          20mg30 capsules$3.00$0.10
                          40mg30 capsules$7.50$0.25
                          package
                          Package
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          4 capsules of 90mg1 package$28.13$28.13
                          tablet
                          Tablet
                          DosageQuantityPrice as low asPrice per unit
                          10mg30 tablets$5.40$0.18
                          20mg30 tablets$10.20$0.34
                          60mg30 tablets$12.60$0.42

                          Typical dosing for Fluoxetine for pets

                          The dose is based on your pet’s weight. Your vet will determine the correct dose for your pet.

                          • Cats: The typical dose is 0.5 mg/kg to 1 mg/kg by mouth once a day.

                          • Dogs: The typical dose is 1 mg/kg by mouth once a day.

                          Note: Your pet might need a special form of fluoxetine made for them. These forms might require different doses because they’re absorbed differently into the body. For example, the dose of the topical fluoxetine gel for cats, which is rubbed onto the pinna (the outer edge inside the ear flap), is higher than the dose for the usual oral forms.

                          interactions

                          Interactions between Fluoxetine and other drugs for pets

                          Fluoxetine might interact with certain medications or supplements. Always let your veterinarian know about any other medications or supplements (including prescribed and over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and dietary or herbal supplements) that your pet is currently taking. The list below does not include all possible drug interactions with Fluoxetine. Please note that only the generic name of each medication is listed below.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is not recommended. Your doctor may decide not to treat you with this medication or change some of the other medicines you take.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines is usually not recommended, but may be required in some cases. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

                          Using this medicine with any of the following medicines may cause an increased risk of certain side effects, but using both drugs may be the best treatment for you. If both medicines are prescribed together, your doctor may change the dose or how often you use one or both of the medicines.

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                          How much does Fluoxetine cost?

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                          contraindications-icon

                          Fluoxetine contraindications for pets

                          Contraindications are specific health conditions or situations in which a pet should not take a medication due to safety concerns. If your pet has any of the following conditions or if any of the following apply to your pet, let your veterinarian know because Fluoxetine will not be safe for your pet to take.
                          images

                          Fluoxetine images

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                          White Gg 550 - Fluoxetine Hydrochloride 20mg Capsule
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                          References

                          Best studies we found

                          American Animal Hospital Association. (2015). 2015 AAHA canine and feline behavior management guidelines.

                          American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists. (2020). How to give medicine to your pet by mouth.

                          American College of Veterinary Pharmacists. (2013). Diagnosing & treating seizures in dogs and cats. PetTalk.

                          View All References (25)

                          American College of Veterinary Pharmacists. (n.d.). Fluoxetine.

                          American Veterinary Medical Association. (n.d.). FAQs about extralabel drug use.

                          ASPCApro. (n.d.). Most common causes of seizures in dogs. American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.

                          Aurobindo Pharma Limited. (2024). Fluoxetine solution [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Bacqué-Cazenave, J., et al. (2020). Serotonin in animal cognition and behavior. International Journal of Molecular Sciences.

                          Berendt, M., et al. (2015). International veterinary epilepsy task force consensus report on epilepsy definition, classification and terminology in companion animals. BMC Veterinary Research.

                          Bukowski, J. A., et al. (2024). Ear structure and function in cats. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                          Ciribassi, J., et al. (2003). Comparative bioavailability of fluoxetine after transdermal and oral administration to healthy cats. American Journal of Veterinary Research.

                          Hammerle, M., et al. (2015). 2015 AAHA canine and feline behavior management guidelines. Journal of the American Animal Hospital Association.

                          Irimajiri, M., et al. (2009). Randomized, controlled clinical trial of the efficacy of fluoxetine for treatment of compulsive disorders in dogs. Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

                          Kaur, G., et al. (2016). The use of fluoxetine by veterinarians in dogs and cats: A preliminary survey. Veterinary Record Open.

                          Landsberg, G. M., et al. (2024). Behavioral problems of cats. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                          Landsberg, G. M., et al. (2024). Behavioral problems of dogs. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                          Landsberg, G. M. (2024). Behavior modification in dogs. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                          Landsberg, G. M. (2024). Treatment of behavior problems in cats. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                          Mandigers, P. J. J., et al. (2024). Canine paroxysmal dyskinesia-a review. Frontiers in Veterinary Science.

                          Moore, S. A. (2014). Seizures and epilepsy in cats. Veterinary Medicine.

                          Odore, R., et al. (2020). Behavioral therapy and fluoxetine treatment in aggressive dogs: A case study. Animals.

                          Overall, K. L. (2013). Protocol for understanding and treating feline aggressions with an emphasis on intercat aggression. Manual of Clinical Behavioral Medicine for Dogs and Cats.

                          Pegasus Laboratories, Inc. (2022). Reconcile- fluoxetine hydrochloride tablet, chewable [package insert]. DailyMed.

                          Pet Poison Helpline. (n.d.). Can dogs have mint?

                          Plumb’s Drug Handouts. (2024). Fluoxetine. VetMedux.

                          Plumb’s Veterinary Medication Guides. (2019). Fluoxetine. PharmaVet, Inc.

                          Selman, J., et al. (2021). Recognizing and treating serotonin syndrome. dvm360.

                          Shell, L. (2024). Psychotropic agents. Merck Manual Veterinary Manual.

                          GoodRx Health has strict sourcing policies and relies on primary sources such as medical organizations, governmental agencies, academic institutions, and peer-reviewed scientific journals. Learn more about how we ensure our content is accurate, thorough, and unbiased by reading our editorial guidelines.
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