Drug Uses

Prozac is a medicine used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and various other disorders. Prozac is a psychotropic medicine that is taken orally.

How Taken

The common dosage is one or two tablets every day. Prozac should be used regularly in order to be effective. It may be helpful to take the medicine at the same time every day when you do some other activity. About 4 weeks may be necessary before you feel any relief but the effects of the medicine should continue about 9 months after a treatment of 3 months. About 5 weeks may be needed for full effect of the medicine in case you use it to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Warnings/Precautions

You should not take Prozac if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you suffer from a liver disease or diabetes. Prozac may make you feel drowsy or less alert, or you may affect your judgment and you should avoid driving, operating machinery or performing any dangerous activities. The medicine may cause dizziness or light-headedness and you may faint when you get up from a lying or sitting position. If this problem continues longer or getting up slowly does not help, you should consult your doctor. Stop using the medicine and inform your doctor immediately in case you experience rash or hives. Be cautious with the usage of Prozac if you have a history of seizures. Inform your doctor about all your medical conditions before you take Prozac. The medicine may reduce your appetite or may cause weight loss especially in people suffering from depression who are already underweight or who have bulimia. Inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your weight or appetite. The effects of Prozac on pregnant women have note been studied well. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or may become pregnant. Breastfeeding is not recommended during a treatment with Prozac because the medicine passes into breast milk.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects of Prozac cannot be anticipated. Notify your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any side effects or if their intensity changes. Your doctor will determine if it is safe to continue using Prozac.
Among the most common side effects are:
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.
The less common adverse effects may be:
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.
Children and adolescents may also experience agitation, excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, hyperactivity, mania or hypomania (inappropriate feelings of elation and/or rapid thoughts), nosebleeds, personality changes, and thirst.
Other very rare side effects have also been reported during treatment with Prozac. Contact your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any new reactions.

Storage

Prozac should be stored in a dry place at a temperature of 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).

Overdose

A Prozac overdose may have fatal results. Also, the combination of Prozac and some other medicine may cause symptoms of an overdose. Immediately search for medical help if you suspect an overdose. An overdose of Prozac may be manifested by nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting. Other symptoms of an overdose may be coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor.

More Information

Do not use Prozac with MAO inhibitors or for at least two weeks after you discontinue their usage. Also, you should not take MAO inhibitors for at least five weeks after you stop using Prozac. Most of the medicines that affect the brain may cause slow reflexes or impair judgment. A regular re-evaluation by your doctor is recommended because Prozac has not been studied very thoroughly in the USA. Consult your pharmacist before you take any other medicines.

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.