ProzacGeneric name: Fluoxetine hydrochloride
Why is Prozac prescribed?
Prozac is prescribed for the treatment of depression—that is, a continuing depression
that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms of major depression often include
changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination; decreased sex drive;
increased fatigue; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; difficulty concentrating; slowed
thinking; and suicidal thoughts.
Prozac is also prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession is a
thought that won't go away; a compulsion is an action done over and over to relieve
anxiety. The drug is also used in the treatment of bulimia (binge-eating followed by
deliberate vomiting). It has also been used to treat other eating disorders and obesity.
In addition, Prozac is used to treat panic disorder, including panic associated with
agoraphobia (a severe fear of being in crowds or public places). People with panic
disorder usually suffer from panic attacks—feelings of intense fear that develop
suddenly, often for no reason. Various symptoms occur during the attacks, including a
rapid or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
In children and adolescents, Prozac is used to treat major depression and
obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Prozac Weekly is approved for treating major depression.
Under the brand name Sarafem, the active ingredient in Prozac is also prescribed for the
treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), formerly known as premenstrual
syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMDD include mood problems such as anxiety, depression,
irritability or persistent anger, mood swings, and tension. Physical problems that
accompany PMDD include bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and joint and muscle pain.
Symptoms typically begin 1 to 2 weeks before a woman's menstrual period and are severe
enough to interfere with day-to-day activities and relationships.
Prozac belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors
(SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods.
Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves.
Re-uptake inhibitors such as Prozac slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of
serotonin available in the brain.
Most important fact about Prozac
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Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when Prozac is used in
combination with other antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors; and when Prozac is
discontinued and an MAO inhibitor is started. Never take Prozac with one of these drugs
or within at least 14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them; and allow 5 weeks
or more between stopping Prozac and starting an MAO inhibitor. Be especially cautious if
you have been taking Prozac in high doses or for a long time.
In addition, Prozac should never be combined with thioridazine due to the risk of
life-threatening drug interactions; and a minimum of 5 weeks should be allowed between
stopping Prozac and starting Mellaril.
If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs, notify your doctor before
taking Prozac.
How should you take Prozac?
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Prozac should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
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.
* If you miss a dose...
Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip
the dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.
* Storage instructions...
Store at room temperature.
What side effects may occur?
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Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your
doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to
continue taking Prozac.
* Side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, anxiety, diarrhea,
diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache,
impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sex-drive
changes, sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting,
weakness, yawning
Why should Prozac not be prescribed?
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If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Prozac or similar drugs,
you should not take this medication. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug
reactions that you have experienced.
Do not take this drug while using an MAO inhibitor (see "Most important fact about this
drug"). You should also not use Prozac if you are taking thioridazine. Likewise, do not
start taking thioridazine within 5 weeks of stopping Prozac.If you need to
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