Prozac

Prozac is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and eating disorders. Prozac belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

Uses of Prozac

Fluoxetine 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.

Take Prozac by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The 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 this medication exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking Prozac 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 Prozac takes effect.

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.

Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems, diabetes, any allergies. Prozac 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 Prozac 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.

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 Prozac. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Prozac 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.

If you miss a dose of Prozac, 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 of Prozac to catch up.

If overdose of Prozac is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of Prozac overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.