Prozac

Prozac Drug Information

• Prozac Overview

  Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder, a certain eating disorder (bulimia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). Prozac may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and the number of panic attacks. It may also reduce the urge to perform repeated tasks (compulsions such as hand-washing, counting, and checking) that interfere with daily living. Fluoxetine may lessen premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, increased appetite, and depression. It may decrease binging and purging behaviors in bulimia.

• Prozac Warnings

  Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people (especially people younger than 25) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it is very important to talk with the doctor about the risks and benefits of antidepressant medication (especially for people younger than 25), even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition. Tell the doctor right away if you notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes (including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts), or other mental/mood changes (including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech). Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.

• How to Use Prozac

  Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using fluoxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions, ask your doctor or pharmacist. Take Prozac by mouth as directed by your doctor, usually once daily in the morning. If you are taking Prozac twice a day, your doctor may direct you to take it in the morning and at noon. If you are taking fluoxetine for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct you to take it every day of the month or just for the 2 weeks before your period through the first full day of your period. To help you remember, mark your calendar. If you are using the liquid form of Prozac, measure the dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Do not use a household spoon because you may not get the correct dose. The Dosage of Prozac is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may direct you to start Prozac at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Take Prozac regularly to get the most benefit from it. To help you remember, take it at the same time each day. It is important to continue taking Prozac as prescribed even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Prozac without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when the drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased. You should see some improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. It may take 4 to 5 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Tell your doctor if your condition does not improve or if it worsens.

• Prozac Precautions

  Before taking fluoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it; or if you have any other allergies. Prozac may contain inactive ingredients, which can cause allergic reactions or other problems. Talk to your pharmacist for more details. Before using Prozac, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history,personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder, personal or family history of suicide attempts, liver problems, diabetes, low sodium in the blood (such as may occur while taking "water pills" - diuretics), severe loss of body water (dehydration), seizures, stomach/intestinal ulcers, personal or family history of glaucoma (angle-closure type). Prozac may make you dizzy or drowsy. Alcohol or marijuana (cannabis) can make you more dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs alertness until you can do it safely. Avoid alcoholic beverages. Talk to your doctor if you are using marijuana (cannabis). The liquid form of Prozac contains alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Some medications (such as metronidazole, disulfiram) can cause a serious reaction when combined with alcohol. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using Prozac safely. Before having surgery, tell your doctor or dentist about all the products you use (including prescription drugs, nonprescription drugs, and herbal products). Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of Prozac, especially weight loss. Monitor weight and height in children who are taking Prozac. Older adults may be more sensitive to the side effects of Prozac, especially bleeding and loss of coordination. Loss of coordination can increase the risk of falling. Older adults may also be more likely to develop low sodium in the blood, especially if they are taking "water pills" (diuretics). During pregnancy, Prozac should be used only when clearly needed. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used Prozac during the last 3 months of pregnancy may rarely develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly. Since untreated mental/mood problems (such as depression, panic attacks, obsessive compulsive disorder) can be a serious condition, do not stop taking Prozac unless directed by your doctor. If you are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think you may be pregnant, immediately discuss the benefits and risks of using Prozac during pregnancy with your doctor. Prozac passes into breast milk and may have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.

• Prozac Misdose

  If you miss a dose of Prozac, take it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose. Take your next dose at the regular time. Do not double the dose to catch up.

• Prozac Interactions

  Drug interactions may change how your medications work or increase your risk for serious side effects. This document does not contain all possible drug interactions. Keep a list of all the products you use (including prescription/nonprescription drugs and herbal products) and share it with your doctor and pharmacist. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor's approval. Fluoxetine can stay in your body for many weeks after your last dose and may interact with many other medications. Before using any medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have taken fluoxetine in the previous 5 weeks.other drugs that can cause bleeding/bruising (including antiplatelet drugs such as clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, "blood thinners" such as warfarin). Taking MAO inhibitors with his medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (isocarboxazid, linezolid, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine) during treatment with Prozac. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for 2 weeks before and at least 5 weeks after treatment with Prozac. Ask your doctor when to start or stop taking Prozac. Prozac can slow down the removal of other medications from your body, which may affect how they work. Examples of affected drugs include pimozide, thioridazine, vinblastine, antiarrhythmics (such as propafenone, flecainide), tricyclic antidepressants (such as desipramine, imipramine), among others. Aspirin can increase the risk of bleeding when used with Prozac. However, if your doctor has directed you to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention (usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day), you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs you otherwise. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity increases if you are also taking other drugs that increase serotonin. Examples include street drugs such as MDMA/"ecstasy," St. John's wort, certain antidepressants (including other SSRIs such as citalopram/paroxetine, SNRIs such as duloxetine/venlafaxine), tryptophan, among others. The risk of serotonin syndrome/toxicity may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of these drugs. Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are taking other products that cause drowsiness including alcohol, marijuana (cannabis), antihistamines (such as cetirizine, diphenhydramine), drugs for sleep or anxiety (such as alprazolam, diazepam, zolpidem), muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers (such as codeine). Check the labels on all your medicines (such as allergy or cough-and-cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely. Prozac may interfere with certain medical/laboratory tests (including brain scan for Parkinson's disease), possibly causing false test results. Make sure laboratory personnel and all your doctors know you use Prozac.

• Prozac Side Effects

  What are Prozac side effects?

  Side effects are physical, mental or emotional symptoms which occur in addition to or outside of the desired effect of a therapeutic treatment such as an over-the-counter or prescribed drug or medication. Side effects from Prozac may occur at the beginning or at the end of treatment and may also depend on the length of time an individual remains on the treatment. Side effects, also known as adverse effects, are generally more likely to occur when starting treatment. Individuals may also experience side effects from Prozac as a result of an interaction with other medications.

  Side Effects of Prozac

  The side effects of Prozac may vary in number and intensity for many different reasons. Factors such as age, weight, gender and ethnicity may influence the side effects of Prozac. Also, an individual’s state of general physical health and seriousness of the disease or illness as well as an increase or decrease in dosage may lead to side effects. Further, side effects from Prozac may also occur as a result of an interaction with certain herbal supplements, foods or drinks.

  Prescription drug side effects can be serious and may cause patients to stop the treatment. However, when side effects from the use of a prescription drug, such as Prozac, do occur a patient should consult their physician. A physician may prescribe an additional treatment in order to control the symptoms or an adjustment in the dosage may be made. In addition, changes to diet, exercise or other lifestyle activities may help to lessen the side effects of Prozac.

  By understanding side effects and the factors which may influence the occurrence of side effects patients are empowered to take an active role in their care. Patients who have specific questions about the side effects of Prozac, or any other medication, should contact their physician. General information about Prozac and the side effects associated with Prozac are described in the following:

  Common Prozac Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • symptoms of anxiety
  • xerostomia
  • erectile dysfunction
  • sinusitis
  • drowsy
  • dizziness
  • insomnia
  • flu-like symptoms
  • general weakness
  • hyperhidrosis
  • tremor
  • vasodilation of blood vessels
  • skin rash
  • anorexia
  • pharyngitis
  • headache disorder
  • yawning
  • nausea
  • diarrhea
  • nervousness
  • dream disorder
  • disorder of ejaculation
  • dyspepsia

  Less Frequent Prozac Side Effects

  Severe

  Less Severe

  • acute confusion
  • abnormal sexual function
  • libido changes
  • agitation
  • visual changes
  • tinnitus
  • cardiac arrhythmia
  • constipation
  • pruritus of skin
  • alopecia
  • urticaria
  • arthralgias
  • fever
  • hyperkinesis
  • chills
  • dysgeusia
  • polydipsia
  • weight loss
  • tachycardia
  • cough
  • chest pain
  • flatulence
  • increased urinary frequency
  • abdominal pain with cramps
  • palpitations

  Rare or Very Rare Prozac Side Effects

  Severe

  • hyponatremia
  • increased risk of bleeding
  • manic disorder
  • hypomania
  • suicidal ideation
  • angioedema
  • serotonin syndrome
  • anaphylaxis
  • drug-induced hepatitis
  • erythema multiforme
  • bronchospastic pulmonary disease
  • seizure disorder
  • laryngismus
  • lymphadenopathy
  • dyspnea
  • abnormal hepatic function tests
  • secondary angle-closure glaucoma
  • serum sickness
  • neuroleptic malignant syndrome
  • gastrointestinal ulcer
  • gastrointestinal hemorrhage
  • torsades de pointes
  • purpura
  • laryngeal edema
  • aplastic anemia
  • atrial fibrillation
  • cerebrovascular accident
  • obstructive hyperbilirubinemia
  • eosinophilic pneumonia
  • erythema nodosum
  • exfoliative dermatitis
  • hepatic failure
  • acquired hemolytic anemia
  • renal failure
  • optic neuritis
  • pancreatitis
  • pancytopenia
  • pulmonary thromboembolism
  • pulmonary hypertension
  • Stevens-Johnson syndrome
  • thrombocytopenic disorder
  • thrombotic thrombocytopenic purpura
  • prolonged QT interval

  Less Severe

  • hypoglycemic disorder
  • mood changes
  • skin photosensitivity
  • allergic dermatitis
  • memory impairment
  • vomiting
  • bruxism
  • ataxia
  • abnormal uterine bleeding
  • hypotension
  • dysuria
  • depersonalization
  • abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • mydriasis
  • ecchymosis
  • petechiae
  • cataracts
  • dyskinesia
  • galactorrhea not associated with childbirth
  • gynecomastia
  • hyperprolactinemia
  • exophthalmos

• Prozac Storage

  Store at room temperature away from light and moisture. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep all medications away from children and pets. Do not flush medications down the toilet or pour them into a drain unless instructed to do so. Properly discard Prozac when it is expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company.