Prozac

Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD) and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (PMDD). Prozac works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

uses

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 has also been used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.

directions

cautions

Before taking Prozac 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 Prozac 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 Prozac. Caution is advised when using Prozac in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effeccts. 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.

effects

Side effects of Prozac may include 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.

interactions

Certain medications taken with Calexa 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 Calexa. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. Calexa 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.

storage

Store Calexa at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.

Prozac

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Prozac

uses

directions

cautions

effects

interactions

storage

Prozac

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