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Antidepressants > Prozac
Prozac
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 most commonly used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive
disorders, panic disorder, and bulimia (binge eating and purging).
Fluoxetine is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),
symptoms of which occur in the week or two before a woman's menstrual period
and commonly include irritability, mood swings, and tension as well as the
physical symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness. Fluoxetine may also be
used for purposes other than those here.
How to Use
Take fluoxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. Take each dose with
water. Fluoxetine may be taken with or without food. Try to take fluoxetine
at the same time each day. Take Prozac Weekly on the same day each week as
directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking
to your doctor. It may take several weeks before you to start feeling
better. Your doctor may want to perform tests or schedule appointments to
monitor your treatment with fluoxetine.
Side Effects
Stop taking fluoxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency
medical treatment if your experience any of the following: an allergic
reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips,
tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat or pulse; low blood
pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure (severe headache,
blurred vision); chills or fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; a rash or
hives. If you experience any of the following less serious side effects,
continue taking fluoxetine and talk to your doctor: headache, tremor,
nervousness, or anxiety; difficulty concentrating; nausea, diarrhea, dry
mouth, or changes in appetite or weight. Side effects other than those
listed here may also occur. Talk to your doctor about any side effect that
seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
Precautions
Do not take fluoxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have
occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take
fluoxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal
irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You
must wait 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
Before taking fluoxetine, tell your doctor if you have liver disease; have
kidney disease; have diabetes; suffer from seizures; or suffer from mania or
have suicidal thoughts. Do not take fluoxetine without first talking to your
doctor if you are pregnant, could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
during treatment.
Drug Interactions
Do not take fluoxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI)
such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate)
during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have
occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take
fluoxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal
irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You
must wait 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
Many medications can have an adverse effect if taken with fluoxetine. Drugs
other than those listed here may also interact with fluoxetine. Talk to your
doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter
medicines, including herbal products.
Notes
Do not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may
take several weeks before you to start feeling better. Do not share this
medication with others.
Missed Dose
Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time
for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the
next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless
otherwise directed by your doctor.
Storage
Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
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