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.
FLUOXETINE - ORAL (flew-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem
What is Prozac
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
Other Uses
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. 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 Prozac 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.
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 Prozac 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. 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 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 medication. 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.
Prozac
Medication Interactions
Certain
medications taken with this product could result in serious, even
fatal, medication 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
and non medication you may use, especially:
other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, sertraline), nefazodone,
trazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine medications (e.g.,
sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.,
amitriptyline, nortriptyline), flecainide, propafenone, haloperidol,
clozapine, lithium, tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin),
anti-seizure medications (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin/hydantoins),
herbal/natural products (e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your
doctor if you take any medications that cause drowsiness such as:
medicine for sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety medications (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
medications 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 medications 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
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.
Prozac
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 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.
Prozac
Storage
Store at
room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C)
away from light and moisture.
Popular
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