Drug name:
Prozac
Prozac® is a selective serotonin
reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat
depression, bulimia, obsessive compulsive
disorders (OCD) and severe symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome (PMDD). Prozac
works by helping to restore the balance of certain
natural chemicals in the brain.
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Prozac Uses
Prozac is used
to treat depression, bulimia (an eating disorder),
obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and severe
symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual
dysphoric disorder-PMDD). Prozac works by
helping to restore the balance of certain natural
chemicals in the brain. Prozac has also been used to treat panic attacks,
obesity, and alcoholism.
How to use Prozac
Take Prozac by mouth usually once daily in the morning,
with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. Prozac
dosage is based on your medical condition and response
to therapy. Some medical conditions may require a
different dosing schedule (e.g., twice daily in the
morning and at noon) as determined by your doctor. Take
Prozac exactly as prescribed. It is important
to continue taking this medication even if you feel
well. Also, do not stop taking Prozac without
consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before
the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
Prozac Side Effects
Nausea,
headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness,
sweating, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious
side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight
loss, unusual or severe mental/mood changes,
uncontrolled movements (tremor), decreased interest in
sex, flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, fever, muscle
aches, weakness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of
these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision
changes, trouble swallowing, swelling or white spots on
the mouth and/or tongue, changes in sexual ability,
painful and/or prolonged erection. Tell your doctor
immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular/fast
heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is
unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it
occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash,
itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you
notice other effects not listed above, contact your
doctor or pharmacist.
Prozac Precautions
Tell your
doctor your medical history, especially of: liver
problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems,
diabetes, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or
drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit
alcoholic beverages. Liquid preparations of this product
may contain sugar and/or small amounts of alcohol.
Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol
dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist about the safe use of Prozac. Caution
is advised when using Prozac in the elderly
because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the
drug. Prozac should be used only when clearly
needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits
with your doctor. Prozac passes into breast milk.
Because of the potential risk to the infant,
breast-feeding while using Prozac is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug
interactions
Certain medications taken with Prozac could result in serious, even fatal, drug
interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide,
phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5
weeks, before or after treatment with this medication.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional
information. This drug is not recommended for use with:
weight loss medicine (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine),
thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all
prescription and nonprescription medication you may use,
especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g.,
citalopram, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone,
venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g.,
sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline),
flecainide, propafenone, haloperidol, clozapine,
lithium, tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin),
anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine,
phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural products (e.g., St
John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take
any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for
sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g.,
alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine),
muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g.,
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels
on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products)
because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients.
Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these
products. Report other drugs which affect the heart
rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide,
pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide,
sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as
furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Fluoxetine may affect the
amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you take any
anti-diabetes medication (e.g., glipizide, glyburide,
metformin), your dosage of these drugs may need to be
adjusted when fluoxetine is started or discontinued.
Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
Prozac Overdose
If Prozac overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may
include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness
or lightheadedness.
Notes
Do not share Prozac with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests
may be performed to monitor your progress.
Prozac Missed Dose
If you miss
Prozac dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and
resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the
dose to catch up.
Prozac Storage
Store Prozac at room
temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30
degrees C) away from light and moisture.