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Antidepressants > Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine
 Fluoxetine®
(Generic 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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