Prozac

PROZAC DRUG INFORMATION

FLUOXETINE - ORAL (flew-OX-eh-teen)

COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem

USES:

Fluoxetine is used in the treatment of depression, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It works by restoring the balance of certain chemicals in the brain.

OTHER USES:

This medication has also been used in the treatment of panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.

HOW TO USE:

This medication is usually taken once daily in the morning, by mouth, with or without food depending on personal preference; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage may vary and it usually depends on your medical condition and response to therapy. Some medical conditions may require unique dosing schedules depending on the determination of your health care provider. It is important to take this medication exactly as prescribed, and to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Never stop taking this medication without first seeking your doctor’s approval. It may take up to 4 weeks before a patient starts to feel the full benefit of this drug.

SIDE EFFECTS:

There are some common side effects associated with this medication, most of which do not need medical attrition, however if any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. These side effects include, nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, or upset stomach. There is the potential of some serious side effects and it is imperative to contact your doctor immediately if you should experience the following: loss of appetite; unusual weight loss; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; uncontrolled movements such as, tremor; decreased interest in sex; flu-like symptoms, such as chills, fever, muscle aches, or weakness. Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of these rare but serious side effects: vision changes, trouble swallowing, swelling or white spots on the mouth and/or tongue, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection. Tell your doctor immediately if you should experience any of these extremely rare, but very serious side effects occur: fainting, and irregular or fast heartbeat. While allergic reactions to this drug are rare, you should seek immediate medical attention if you experience these symptoms: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

PRECAUTIONS:

It is vital that you inform your doctor of your entire medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems, diabetes, any allergies. Use caution when engaging in activities that require mental alertness such as driving or using machinery, because this drug may make you dizzy or drowsy. It is highly recommended for patients taking this medication to limit the use of alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease because, liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or small amounts of alcohol. Consult your doctor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. The elderly should use caution when taking this medication because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. Pregnant women should discuss the risks and benefits of this medication with their doctor, and it should only be used when clearly needed. Nursing mothers should consult their doctor before breast-feeding because this drug passes into breast milk, which creates a potential risk to the infant. For this reason breast-feeding while using this medication is not recommended.

DRUG INTERACTIONS:

There is a serious and possibly of fatal risk of drug interaction with certain medications. It is vital to consult your doctor about any medications you are taking including all prescription and non-prescription drugs, especially other SSRI antidepressants such as, citalopram and sertraline; nefazodone; trazodone; venlafaxine; "triptan" migraine drugs such as, sumatriptan and zolmitriptan; tramadol; tricyclic antidepressants such as, amitriptyline and nortriptyline; flecainide; propafenone; haloperidol; clozapine; lithium; tryptophan; "blood thinners" including, warfarin; anti-seizure drugs such as, carbamazepine, phenytoin or hydantoins; herbal or natural products such as, St John's wort and ayahuasca. Consult your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: sleep medications, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs such as, alprazolam, narcotic pain relievers including, codeine; muscle relaxants; psychiatric medicine including, phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine; certain antihistamines such as, diphenhydramine. It is recommended to avoid taking MAO inhibitors such as, furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, and tranylcypromine within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before or after treatment with this medication. It is not recommended to use this medication with the following: weight loss medicine such as, sibutramine and phentermine; thioridazine; terfenadine; and astemizole. Check the labels on all your medicines, especially cough-and-cold products, because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Consult your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Report to your doctor any other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide; pimozide; sotalol; quinidine; procainamide; sparfloxacin; and diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide. Fluoxetine can affect the amount of glucose in your blood. It is imperative to consult your doctor if you take any anti-diabetes medication such as, glipizide, glyburide, metformin, the dosage of these medications may need to be adjusted when this medication is started or discontinued. Never start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

OVERDOSE:

Contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately, if you see these symptoms: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness. All of these are symptoms of an overdose.

NOTES:

Never share this or any prescription medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.

MISSED DOSE:

In the event that you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If you do not remember before it is close to time to take your next dose, then simply skip it and resume taking as scheduled. It is important never to “double-up” on this medication.

STORAGE:

It is important to store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F or 15 and 30 degrees C and away from light and moisture. It is not recommended to store this medication in a bathroom.

IMPORTANT NOTE:

This information is not intended to replace the knowledge and skills of a qualified healthcare provider. While the following can be a valuable resource, this drug may not be safe or effective for everyone. You should always consult with a qualified healthcare provider before taking any prescription medication.