What is the primary therapeutic use of fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), is primarily used in the treatment of major depressive disorder. Its mechanism involves increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood, anxiety, and overall emotional well-being. It has been extensively studied and shown to be effective in alleviating the symptoms of depression, making it a first-line treatment choice for this condition.

While fluoxetine is also used off-label for various other conditions, including anxiety disorders, it is most recognized and approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder. Other disorders listed, such as bipolar disorder and schizophrenia, typically require different treatment approaches and medications, highlighting fluoxetine's focus on addressing depressive symptoms specifically.