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Prozac® is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMDD). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
Prozac®
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute for,
the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare
professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug
is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional
before using this drug.
Uses
Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, bulimia (an eating disorder),
obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and severe symptoms of premenstrual
syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-PMDD). This medication works
by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the
brain.
Other Uses
This medication has also been used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and
alcoholism.
How to Use
Take this medication 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 this medication even
if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication without consulting
your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this
drug takes effect.
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.
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 this product. Caution is advised when using this product in
the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into
breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding
while using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications taken with this product 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.
Overdose
If 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 this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests
may be performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
If you miss a 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.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees
C) away from light and moisture.
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