STOP — Contraindicated
FDA contraindication. If linezolid is essential, fluoxetine must be stopped 5+ weeks beforehand due to very long half-life of active metabolite.
Evidence level: STRONG
Linezolid and Prozac must not be taken together. Linezolid acts as an MAO inhibitor and combining it with Prozac can cause deadly serotonin syndrome. The risk lasts weeks after stopping Prozac because it stays in your body a long time.
Linezolid (reversible MAO inhibitor) plus fluoxetine (SSRI) — extremely high serotonin syndrome risk. FDA contraindication. Fluoxetine long half-life (4-6 days, norfluoxetine 4-16 days) extends risk.
Tell any hospital doctor that you take Prozac. If linezolid is needed urgently, be aware that Prozac needs 5-6 weeks to clear your system. Alternative antibiotics should be used.
Take Fluoxetine and Linezolid at their usual prescribed times. Some antibiotics (linezolid especially) have serotonergic properties and should never be combined with SSRIs — if you are on linezolid, confirm this combination with your prescriber. Standard antibiotics like amoxicillin or azithromycin are generally safe alongside SSRIs.
Higher risk for: elderly, those on multiple serotonergic drugs, people with liver impairment, CYP2D6 poor metabolizers, recent dose changes, or concurrent use of MAOIs or triptans.
Severe agitation, high fever, seizures, muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate, unstable blood pressure, coma, death
Emphasize fluoxetine 5-week washout requirement. Discuss vancomycin or other alternatives to linezolid. If linezolid is unavoidable, discuss inpatient monitoring.
Discuss this combination with your prescriber. They may adjust timing, dosing, or switch to an alternative with fewer interaction risks. Never stop an antidepressant abruptly — taper under medical guidance.
Linezolid and Prozac must not be taken together. Linezolid acts as an MAO inhibitor and combining it with Prozac can cause deadly serotonin syndrome. The risk lasts weeks after stopping Prozac because it stays in your body a long time.
Take Fluoxetine and Linezolid at their usual prescribed times. Some antibiotics (linezolid especially) have serotonergic properties and should never be combined with SSRIs — if you are on linezolid, confirm this combination with your prescriber. Standard antibiotics like amoxicillin or azithromycin are generally safe alongside SSRIs.
Severe agitation, high fever, seizures, muscle rigidity, rapid heart rate, unstable blood pressure, coma, death
Discuss this combination with your prescriber. They may adjust timing, dosing, or switch to an alternative with fewer interaction risks. Never stop an antidepressant abruptly — taper under medical guidance.
Emphasize fluoxetine 5-week washout requirement. Discuss vancomycin or other alternatives to linezolid. If linezolid is unavoidable, discuss inpatient monitoring.
Or browse the full interaction database (121,000+ pairs).