Prozac is an antidepressant medicine. Generic Fluoxetine, it's medicinal compound, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor [SSRI]. It somehow blocks the reattachment of the neurotransmitter - serotonin [associated with moods], to it's parent nerve. When higher levels of this chemical are available in the brain, it reduces feelings of depression, panic and anxiety.
Uses of Prozac
Prozac is used in the treatment of Depression, Panic Disorder, Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and Bulimia Nervosa [an eating disorder when the individual indulges in binge eating and then fasting]. As antidepressants are considered to increase the risk of suicide in people below the age of 24, the medicine should not be given to anyone under 18 without the doctor's advice.
How to Use Prozac
The dose will depend on the individual condition, and the medical disorder being treated. Take the medicine exactly as prescribed. If you are taking the extended release capsule, swallow it whole, so that the medicine takes effect gradually; breaking it will make an overflow of the medicine to enter the bloodstream at one go.
Missed Dose of Prozac
Consult your doctor if you miss a dose. The medicine may have to be taken daily or weekly. Try to take the missed dose as soon as you can, but if time is approaching for the next one, leave the missed dose and go on to the regular one. Don't double your dose. If you are taking Prozac once in a week, take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and the next dose 7 days after that.
Side-effects of Prozac
Some of the common, less serious side effects may include:-
Dizziness, or drowsiness
Nausea, maybe even vomiting
Headaches
Stuffy nose/sneezing/sore throat
Diarrhea, indigestion, or constipation
Decreased libido, or ejaculation problems
Loss of appetite
Perspiration.
An allergic reaction such as:- rash, hives, difficulty in breathing, wheezing, or swelling in the face-lips-tongue-throat means that you should stop the medicine and ask your doctor for help.
Overdose of Prozac
Overdose symptoms can include: rapid/abnormal heartbeats, persistent nausea with/without vomiting, seizures, extreme drowsiness, severe mood changes, or lack of consciousness. US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222. If the victim collapses or stops breathing, call local emergency services at 911.
Interactions of Prozac
Some of the medicines with which Fluoxetine interacts, are:-
Other SSRI antidepressants like Escitalopram, Paroxetine, or Sertraline
Tricyclic antidepressants such as Amoxapine, Doxepin, or Imipramine
Anti-anxiety drugs such as Alprazolam, or Diazepam
Antipsychotic drugs like Clozapine, or Haloperidol
Cardiac medications such as Clopidogrel, Digoxin, or Flecainide
Anti-seizure medicines like Carbamazepine, or Phenytoin
Medicine for certain types of cancer such as Vinblastine
Mood stabilizers like Lithium
Contraindications of Prozac
This medicine is contraindicated in those individuals who are allergic to anything in Prozac, and for those who are taking:-
MAOIs such as Isocarboxazid, Selegiline, or Tranylcypromine
Highly potent antipsychotic drug - Pimozide
Conventional antipsychotic medicine - Thioridazine.
Storage of Prozac
After you buy Prozac, store it at a room temperature between 15 C-30 C, safe from heat, light and dampness out of reach of children and pets.
Precautions of Prozac
Before treatment begins, patients must inform the psychiatrist of any pre-existing heart/kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver, diabetes, epilepsy, seizures, or history of drug abuse/suicidal ideation/bipolar disorder [especially manic depression].
Don't feel disheartened if Prozac does not show immediate results. It can take 4 weeks or more, before you start feeling better.
Those who drive or perform risky tasks should try to refrain from such activities, until they know how the medicine affects them and are sure that they can handle it's effects.
Alcohol/alcoholic beverages should be avoided as they can increase drowsiness.
It is recommended that you do not attempt to treat yourself by taking, increasing, decreasing, or stopping the medicine on your own.
Never share your medicine with anyone else, even if they have similar symptoms it can do more harm than good to that person.
Prozac Notes
Read the Patient Information every time you buy a refill - it may have some new information. Your physician will be able to tell you more about the uses, side effects, interactions, and precautions associated with this medication. Discard any unused medicine after treatment is over.
