Prozac
Prozac

Generic 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 buy prozac you

cand type in your browser our pharmacy http://4rx.com.Have a good day with the right

antidepression treatment.