ProzacŪ is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
(SSRI) used to treat depression, bulimia, obsessive
compulsive disorders (OCD) and severe symptoms
of premenstrual syndrome (PMDD). This medication
works by helping to restore the balance of certain
natural chemicals in the brain.
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ProzacŪ
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your
physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional.
It should not be construed to indicate that use of the
drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before using this drug.
Uses
Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, bulimia (an
eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD),
and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual
dysphoric disorder-PMDD). This medication works by helping
to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals
in the brain.
Other Uses
This medication has also been used to treat panic attacks,
obesity, and alcoholism.
How to Use
Take this medication by mouth usually once daily in
the morning, with or without food; or as directed by
your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition
and response to therapy. Some medical conditions may
require a different dosing schedule (e.g., twice daily
in the morning and at noon) as determined by your doctor.
Take this medication exactly as prescribed. It is important
to continue taking this medication even if you feel
well. Also, do not stop taking this medication without
consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before
the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
Side Effects
Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness,
sweating, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these
effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious
side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight
loss, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, uncontrolled
movements (tremor), decreased interest in sex, flu-like
symptoms (e.g., chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely
but serious side effects occur: 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 any of these
highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur:
fainting, irregular/fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction
to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical
attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
Precautions
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially of:
liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems,
diabetes, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy
or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit
alcoholic beverages. Liquid preparations of this product
may contain sugar and/or small amounts of alcohol. Caution
is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence,
or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about
the safe use of this product. Caution is advised when
using this product in the elderly because they may be
more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This
drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this
drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
Drug Interactions
Certain medications taken with this product could result
in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking
MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid,
moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within
5 weeks, before or after treatment with this medication.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss
medicine (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine,
terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription
and nonprescription medication you may use, especially:
other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, sertraline),
nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine
drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline),
flecainide, propafenone, haloperidol, clozapine, lithium,
tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-seizure
drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural
products (e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your
doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such
as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g.,
codeine), muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g.,
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), certain antihistamines
(e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your
medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they
may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your
pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Report
other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation),
such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide,
sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide
or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Fluoxetine may affect the amount of
glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you take any anti-diabetes
medication (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, metformin),
your dosage of these drugs may need to be adjusted when
fluoxetine is started or discontinued. Consult your
doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Overdose
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms
of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting,
severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory
and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your
progress.
Missed Dose
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember.
If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed
dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double
the dose to catch up.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees
F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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