FLUOXETINE DRUG INFO
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.
FLUOXETINE - ORAL (flew-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem
FLUOXETINE 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).
Fluoxetine
works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural
chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES FOR FLUOXETINE:
Fluoxetine has also been
used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.
HOW TO USE FLUOXETINE: Take
Fluoxetine 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
Fluoxetine
exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking
this medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop
taking
Fluoxetine
without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks
before the full benefit of
Fluoxetine
takes effect.
FLUOXETINE 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.
FLUOXETINE PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical
history, especially of: liver problems, kidney disease,
seizures, heart problems, diabetes, any allergies.
Fluoxetine 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
Fluoxetine 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.
Fluoxetine
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
Fluoxetine 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.
FLUOXETINE DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications
taken with
Fluoxetine
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.
FLUOXETINE 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.
FLUOXETINE NOTES: Do not share this medication with
others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
FLUOXETINE MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of
Fluoxetine, 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.
FLUOXETINE STORAGE: Store at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture. |