Prozac (Fluoxetine)

What is Prozac?

Prozac is an anti-depressant, which comes falls under the category of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

What is Prozac used for?

Prozac is used for the treatment of bulimia nervosa, depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Sometimes, Prozac is used with the drug called olanzapine for the treatment of depression due to bipolar disorder.

How does Prozac work?

Prozac affects an unbalanced chemical in the brain, which causes depression, panic attacks, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive disorders.

How to use Prozac

Follow the instructions prescribed on the label of Prozac carefully. Do not take Prozac longer than suggested by your medical health provider and avoid taking it in excess amount. Do not chew, crush or open an extended-release capsule, as it has to be swallowed at once.

If you are taking it in a liquid form, then measure it with special dose measuring device, not with a standard tablespoon or teaspoon. Continue to take Prozac even if you see improvement in your condition. It can take more than four weeks or longer to show its effects. For the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder, take single dose of Prozac daily during your periods or 14 days before the periods.

Prozac warnings and precautions

Before starting the course of Prozac, tell your doctor if you are suffering from kidney disease, diabetes, seizures or epilepsy, a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts, bipolar disorder, or cirrhosis of the liver. You may need dose adjustment if you are suffering from any of these diseases.

You may have thoughts about committing suicide when you first time take the anti-depressant, especially if your age is less than 24. You must tell your doctor about suicidal thoughts and depression during the initial weeks of treatment. Your family must be aware about your mood change symptoms during the treatment.

Your doctor may ask you to come for regular check-up at least for first 12 weeks. Do not give this medicine to anyone less than the age of 18 years. Keep Prozac at appropriate room temperature and protect it from heat and moisture.

What do I do if I have missed a Prozac dose?

If you have missed your Prozac dose you should take it immediately. Skip the missed dose if it’s time to take the next dosage. Do not take double dose at single time. If you miss the dose weekly, take it as soon as you remember and take the next dose after seven days.

What do I do if I have taken a Prozac overdose?

If you have taken a Prozac overdose you should seek emergency medical help to avoid the side effects.

Prozac interactions

Talk to your doctor before taking medicines like aspirin, advil, motrin, aleve, naprosyn, voltaren, indomethacin, piroxicam, relafen, iodine. Taking these drugs with Prozac may lead to bruises or easy bleeding.

You must tell your doctor, if you take medicines that make you sleepy such as narcotic pain medicine, allergy medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers and medicines for seizure and anxiety.

Inform your doctor, if you are already taking medicines like Plavix, Xanax, Tambocor, Clozaril, Fazaclo, Haldol, Dilantin, Tegretol, Tryptophan, Velban, Warfarin, Axert, Frova, Imitrex, Amerge, Maxalt, Zomig, various anti-depressants, including Elavil, Lexapro, Tofranil, and Zoloft.

Prozac side effects

You must seek emergency medical help if you experience serious allergic reactions like skin rash, difficulty in breathing, hives, swelling of your face, tongue, lips or throat.

Some of the serious side effects of Prozac are red skin rash, severe blistering, rigid muscles, high fever, fast or uneven heartbeats, sweating, tremors, overactive reflexes, vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, fainting, seizure, and shallow breathing.