Drug Uses
Prozac is a drug used medically in the treatment of depression,
obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric
disorder, and many other disorders. It is a psychotropic drug for oral
administration.
How Taken
Prozac usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, it should be
taken regularly. Make a habit of taking it at the same time you do some other
daily activity. It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your
depression, but the drug\'s effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month
treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take
5 weeks to appear.
Warnings/Precautions
Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this
medication if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you have liver
disease or diabetes. Prozac may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and
may affect your judgment. Therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery
or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness
is not recommended. While taking this medication, you may feel dizzy or
light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting
position. If getting up slowly doesn\'t help or if this problem continues,
notify your doctor. If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Prozac,
discontinue use of the medication and notify your doctor immediately. Prozac
should be used with caution if you have a history of seizures. You should
discuss all of your medical conditions with your doctor before taking this
medication. Prozac can occasionally cause decreased appetite and weight loss,
especially in depressed people who are already underweight and in those with
bulimia. If you notice changes in your weight or appetite, tell your doctor.
The effects of Prozac during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If
you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.
This medication appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended
while you are taking Prozac.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose of Prozac and you remember the same day, take it as soon
as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose
and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Possible Side Effects
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity,
inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it
is safe for you to continue taking Prozac.
More common side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, anxiety, diminished
sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache,
impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash,
sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach,
vomiting, weakness, yawning.
Less common side effects may include:
Abnormal taste, agitation, bleeding problems, chills, confusion, ear pain,
emotional instability, fever, frequent urination, high blood pressure,
increased appetite, loss of memory, palpitations, ringing in the ears, sleep
disorders, weight gain.
In children and adolescents, less common side effects may also include
Agitation, excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, hyperactivity,
mania or hypomania (inappropriate feelings of elation and/or rapid thoughts),
nosebleeds, personality changes, and thirst.
A wide variety of other very rare reactions have been reported during Prozac
therapy. If you develop any new or unexplained symptoms, tell your doctor
without delay.
Storage
Store in a dry place at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).
Overdose
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose
of Prozac can be fatal. In addition, combining Prozac with certain other drugs
can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical
attention immediately. Common symptoms of Prozac overdose include Nausea,
rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting. Other symptoms of Prozac
overdose include: Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat,
low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor.
More Information
Do not take with MAO inhibitors or for at least two weeks after their
discontinuation. MAO inhibitor medications should not be taken for at least
five weeks after discontinuing Prozac. Most medications affecting the brain
have the potential to slow reflexes or impair judgment and caution is advised.
This medication has not been studied extensively in the US and re-evaluation
periodically by your physician is advised. Check with your pharmacist when
taking with other medications.
Disclaimer
This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not
intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions,
precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general
information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be
construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We
disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this
information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information,
including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such
damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is
made in regards to this information.
