Concerns are mounting among users of Prozac in the United Arab Emirates (UAE), following the global discontinuation of the antidepressant by pharmaceutical company Lilly.

The decision to cease production was attributed to 'evolving business priorities,' leaving patients and medical professionals in the UAE apprehensive about sourcing the medication internationally or finding effective alternatives.

Prozac, which is the brand name for fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), has been a key treatment for various mental health conditions including depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and bulimia nervosa since its market introduction in 1987. It has been available in the UAE only under the Prozac brand, making the current disruption particularly challenging for users in the region as alternative formulations are not commonly stocked.

As the supply dwindles, patients may need to consider obtaining their medication from international sources or transitioning to other pharmaceuticals such as Zoloft (sertraline) or Cipralex (escitalopram).

Notably, these alternatives have different chemical compositions and potential side effects, which vary depending on individual responses to the medications.

A spokesperson for Lilly confirmed that the cessation of Prozac is not related to the drug's safety or efficacy but rather reflects a shift in treatment availability amidst a landscape of alternative options.

Patients were encouraged to consult their healthcare providers to discuss potential treatments as local stock dwindles, although some pharmacies reported being completely out of Prozac at the time of the announcement.

While Prozac’s long-standing presence has solidified its status in the global antidepressant market, which was valued at $18.7 billion in 2024 and projected to grow at a compound annual growth rate of 7.5 percent to reach approximately $37.9 billion by 2034, the sentiment among patients reflects a more immediate concern for accessible medication.

Increased mental health awareness has driven demand for effective treatments across multiple conditions.

Several patients have shared their anxieties regarding the forthcoming supply issues.

One Dubai-based mother, who wished to remain anonymous, expressed particular concern for her 11-year-old daughter who has relied on Prozac for managing severe anxiety and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

She stated that previous treatments were ineffective, and expressed hope that authorities would address the issue swiftly, especially considering the needs of children who depend on this medication.

Another resident, Victoria McKeown, who benefited from Prozac in her battle against anxiety, is now grappling with the reality of finding alternative treatments as her psychiatrist has indicated that she may need to revert to previously ineffective medications.

Experts in mental health have acknowledged that while the shortage of Prozac is concerning, it presents an opportunity for patients to reassess their treatment options.

Dr. Teizeem Dhanji, a psychiatrist at Sage Clinics in Dubai, noted that there are other safe and effective antidepressant options available, and encouraged patients to consult with their psychiatrists to develop personalized plans for transitioning away from fluoxetine if necessary.

Antony Bainbridge, head of clinical services at Resicare Alliance, raised alarms regarding potential disruptions for patients dependent on fluoxetine.

He cautioned that while alternatives exist, differing side effects and individual responses could complicate the transition process, raising the risk of withdrawal symptoms or symptom exacerbation.

The potential for patients to seek unregulated or illegal sources for their medications has been highlighted as a significant safety risk.

As this situation evolves, the Emirates Drug Establishment has been contacted for further information regarding the registration of a possible alternative, though no confirmation was available at the time of reporting.