Fluoextine hydrochloride, or Prozac, is approved by the United States Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as an antidepressant. As such, it is used to treat major depressive disorder and has years of research and randomized, controlled trial results to support its use.

On the Other: Off-Label and Related Prozac Uses

Prozac is also approved to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder and panic disorder; both of these conditions are characterized primarily by specific types of anxiety and have been studied with Prozac in clinical trials. Prozac and other antidepressant medications are used without FDA approval (i.e., off label) to treat generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). GAD and depression are both caused by imbalances in neurologic chemicals, which is why antidepressants are commonly used to treat GAD.

Bottom Line

Although Prozac is not approved for the treatment of generalized anxiety disorder specifically, its successful use in treating other types of anxiety is proven. Because of this, and because the neurologic imbalances that cause extended, nonspecific anxiety such as that seen with GAD are unclear, Prozac in the early 21st century is often prescribed off label to treat GAD.

Source:

Prozac Medication Guide

Generalized Anxiety Disorder Treatment and Drugs Overview

Depression Guide: Medications