Prozac

Drug name

Prozac (Fluoxetine)

Drug Uses

Prozac relates to selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor class of medicines. It is intended when treating depression, obsessive-compulsive and panic disorders as well as bulimia. The medicine is also prescribed to alleviate the symptoms of premenstrual dysphoric disorder and treat it.

How Taken

The recommended dosage of the medicine is 1-2 times a day. It is sometimes prescribed to take the drug one time in a week. Take the medicine while meal at the same time in case you take it everyday or at the same day in case you take it every week. The dosage for different patients can differ greatly. Doctor will decrease your dosage step by step to stop the treatment. However do not stop the therapy without consulting with your doctor. The medicine can show its effect after several weeks of the therapy.

Missed Dose

In case you have missed to take the medicine do it at the moment you have remembered but skip it in case it is the time of your next dosage and follow your usual schedule. You shouldn’t use double dose simultaneously in case there is no such direction from your healthcare provider.

Storage

Keep the medicine at the temperature between 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).

Warnings Precautions

Take the medicine with caution when operating any machinery. Taking the medicine can make you feel dizzy or drowsy. In case you experience these conditions avoid operating any machinery. Drowsiness and dizziness can also be caused by taking alcohol throughout therapy period. It is forbidden to take MAO inhibitors as well as Haldol for minimum 5 weeks after your Prozac therapy period has finished. Many drugs that influence brain can decrease your reflexes. The medicine is not thoroughly studied in the USA, therefore it is recommended to visit your doctor periodically. Do not take the medicine along with tryptohan. Take the medicine with caution in case you are in lanoxin or anticoagulant coumadin therapy. Contact your doctor before taking any other drugs throughout Prozac therapy period.

Possible Side Effects

Taking the medicine can lead to nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and loss of appetite as well as to skin rashes and vasculitis. The medicine can cause the growth of your blood pressure that should be checked periodically. Taking the medicine can cause seizures. Taking MAO inhibitors (nardil, parnate) along with the medicine can be dangerous. It is recommended to skip 2 weeks after finishing Prozac therapy and starting to take MAO inhibitors.

In case you have missed to take the medicine several time or finished the therapy sharply you can experience such side effects as dizziness, headache, nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense of smell, taste, etc. So, the Prozac dosage should be decreases step by step to finish the treatment.

More Information

Stop taking the medicine and contact your doctor at once in case you have:

o an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
o an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
o low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
o high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
o chills or fever;
o unusual bleeding or bruising;
o a rash or hives.

Do not stop the therapy but check with your doctor in case you have:

o headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
o difficulty concentrating;
o nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
o weakness;
o increased sweating;
o sleepiness or insomnia; or
o decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

You can also experience other side effects not mentioned here. Check with your doctor in case they become too bothersome.