Prozac is widely prescribed for the treatment of depression (including pediatric depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder (in both adult and pediatric populations), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder.

The popularity of the drug may be attributed to the fact that cases of overdose from the drug have been rare. Studies have also shown that it causes fewer adverse heart-related events (such as a drop in blood pressure or unusual rhythm), fewer anticholinergic effects (dry mouth, constipation, blurred vision, urinary retention) than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and it is less likely to cause drowsiness or weight changes also associated with the older TCAs.