Weekly Prozac Dosage: Treatment Alternative for Depression

FDA Consumer, May, 2001

People who require longer-term treatment of depression now have another treatment option. In February, the Food and Drug Administration approved Prozac Weekly (fluoxetine hydrochloride), the first prescription medication given weekly for the longer-term treatment of depression. It is intended for use by people whose symptoms have stabilized and who require continuing treatment.

Fluoxetine is cleared slowly from the body, which allows the drug to work when taken only once a week. In addition, the Prozac Weekly tablets are coated with a substance to help delay release of the drug into the bloodstream.

In a U.S. clinical trial involving 501 depressed people, the rates of relapse for those treated with either Prozac Weekly or a 20 milligram daily dose of Prozac were significantly lower than for those treated with an inactive pill (placebo). Prozac Weekly's most common side effects are similar to those of the daily dose and include nausea, headaches and insomnia. People interested in switching from the daily dose to Prozac Weekly should consult their physician.

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, depressive disorders affect more than 18 million Americans each year. Major depression is the leading cause of disability in the United States and worldwide. Almost twice as many women (12 percent) as men (7 percent) suffer from a depressive disorder each year.

Eli Lilly and Co. in Indianapolis manufactures Prozac Weekly.