Prozac
Fluoxetine
Drug Class and Mechanism of Action of Prozac
Prozac is an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) group of drugs. Prozac acts by restoring the balance of serotonin which is a natural substance in the brain that helps in improving certain mood problems.
Therapeutic Uses of Prozac
Prozac is used in treatment of OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) or depression in adults as well as in children. It is also used in treatment of bulimia nervosa (disorder of binge eating) and panic disorder in adults. Prozac may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Direction of use of Prozac
Take Prozac as directed by your doctor and check the label on the medicine for exact dosing instructions. Prozac also comes with an extra patient information leaflet known as Medication Guide. You should read it carefully and read it again every time you get Prozac refilled.
Take Prozac orally with food or on empty stomach. If you take Prozac at the same time daily it will help you remember to take it. Keep taking Prozac even if you feel better and do not miss a dose of Prozac. Do not suddenly stop taking Prozac without consulting your doctor. It may cause worsening of symptoms and also develop side effects like mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness. You will be closely monitored during your treatment with Prozac and whenever a change in dose is made.
If You Miss a Dose of Prozac
If you miss dose of Prozac you should take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at a time.
How to Store Prozac
Prozac should be stored at temperature, between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C). Store it in a dark color container away from heat, moisture and light. Keep Prozac out of the reach of children.
More Information about Prozac
Prozac is to be used only by the patient for whom it is prescribed. Prozac should not be shared with other people. If your symptoms do not improve or if they become worse, get medical attention. If you have any question about Prozac, ask your doctor or other health care provider.
Precautions to be Taken While Taking Prozac
Do not take Prozac if you have any of the following medical conditions and consult your doctor right away:
- If you are allergic to any of the ingredients of Prozac.
- If you are taking or if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor like phenelzine, selegiline etc. within the last 2 weeks.
- If you are taking a fenfluramine derivative like dexfenfluramine; an H1 antagonist like astemizole, terfenadine; a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) like venlafaxine; sibutramine, nefazodone, pimozide, or tryptophan.
Some medical conditions may interact with Prozac. You should inform your doctor if you have any medical condition that may interact with Prozac and the following medical conditions may interact with Prozac:
- If you are pregnant, planning pregnancy, or if you are breast feeding.
- If you have allergy to any medicine, food, or other substance.
- If you are taking any prescription medicine, nonprescription medicine, herbal preparation, any dietary supplement etc.
- If you are receiving or will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).
- If you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder like manic-depression, other mental problems like suicidal thoughts and/or suicidal attempts, or alcohol or any substance abuse.
- If you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, kidney problem, stomach bleeding, diabetes, or any metabolism problems.
- If you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels in blood, or habit of drinking alcohol.
Some medicines may interact with Prozac. You should inform your doctor if you are taking any medicines like the following that may interact with Prozac:
- Cyproheptadine (an anti-histaminic and appetite stimulant) because it may decrease Prozac's effectiveness.
- HIV protease inhibitors (anti HIV drugs) like ritonavir, because they may increase the risk of side effects of Prozac.
- Cyclobenzaprine or H1 antagonists like astemizole, terfenadine etc., because severe heart problems (irregular heartbeat) may occur.
- Anticoagulants like warfarin; aspirin, or non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen, because the risk of stomach bleeding may be increased.
- Tramadol, because the risk of seizures may be increased due to it.
- Diuretics like furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide, because the risk of low blood sodium levels may be increased due to diuretics.
- Anorexiants like phentermine, fenfluramine derivatives like dexfenfluramine, linezolid, MAOIs like phenelzine, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists like sumatriptan, SNRIs like venlafaxine; metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, sibutramine, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, like fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur.
- Aripiprazole, dextromethorphan, lithium, digoxin, flecainide, haloperidol, pimozide, carbamazepine, clozapine, propafenone, vinblastine, risperidone, benzodiazepines like alprazolam, beta-blockers like propranolol, hydantoins like phenytoin, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors like atomoxetine, phenothiazines like chlorpromazine, thioridazine etc. tricyclic antidepressants like amitriptyline etc. because of the risk of their side effects may be increased by Prozac.
Possible Adverse Effects of Prozac
- Common and less serious side effects of Prozac are nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, loss of appetite, anxiety, nervousness, decreased sexual desire or ability, dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased sweating, insomnia, generalized weakness etc. You should consult your doctor if any of the common side effects of Prozac become persistent or bothersome.
- Get immediate medical attention if you experience any serious side effects like severe allergic reaction (symptoms of allergic reaction are skin rash, itching, difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue); chest pain, stomach pain, joint pain, wrist aches or pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, excessive sweating; fever, chills, sore throat (signs of infection); severe mental or mood change, worsening of depression, hallucinations, insomnia, bizarre behavior, suicidal thoughts and attempts, severe anxiety, persistent anxiety, confusion, new or worsening agitation, seizures, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, panic attacks, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well being, restlessness and inability to sit still, loss of coordination, exaggerated reflexes, black stool, blood in stool, increased urination, significant weight loss, vision change, hoarseness of voice; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling of skin; persistent and painful erection, unusual bruising or bleeding, tinnitus etc.
