Prozac ®
Generic Name: Fluoxetine (floo-ox-uh-teen)
Drug Class: Antidepressant, SSRI
Contents
Drug Uses
This medicine is used to treat depression, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder),
and bulimia, an eating disorder. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine
to treat other conditions as well.
General Information
This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect,
adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions
about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.
How it Works
This medicine works by restoring the balance of a chemical in the brain (serotonin)
by blocking its reuptake into the nerve cells.
How to Take It
This medicine should be taken about the same time each day (with the exception
of the once weeky product). The best time to take this medicine is in the
morning with breakfast. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full
effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in 1 to 2 weeks.
Possible Side Effects
- nervousness, anxiety
- trouble sleeping
- nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite
- If you experience sexual problems, talk to your doctor.
Warnings/Precautions
- Don’t stop taking this medicine until you have consulted with your doctor
first.
- Also, make sure that you know how the medicine affects you before driving
or performing other tasks that require your full attention.
Overdose
- Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your
local or regional poison control center at 1-800-222-1222.
Drug Interactions
- Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking
Prozac.
- Medicines called MAO inhibitors should not be taken while taking fluoxetine.
Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure which drugs are MAO
inhibitors.
- St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to
the additive effects of serotonin.
Missed Dose
Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next
dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double
doses.
Storage
Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out
of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat
and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated
or no longer needed.
Pregnancy/Nursing
If you plan on becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor to discuss risks and
benefits. This drug is excreted in breast milk. It is advised not to breast
feed while on this medication.
More Information
For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.
Copyright © 2004 PharmClips,
Inc. All rights reserved. Information expires March 1, 2005. Published
March 1, 2004.
This information is not intended to cover all possible uses, directions,
precautions, drug interactions, or adverse effects. This is general
information and should not in any event be construed as specific instructions
for individual patients. The publisher does not accept any responsibility
for the accuracy of the information or the consequences arising from
the application, use, or misuse of any of the information contained
herein, including any injury and/or damage to any person or property
as a matter of product liability, negligence, or otherwise. No warranty,
expressed or implied, is made in regard to the contents of this material.
The reader is advised to check with their health care provider before
making any changes in their drug regimen. |
