PROZAC 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
Prozac.
FLUOXETINE - ORAL (flew-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem
PROZAC
USES:
Prozac
is used to treat depression, bulimia (an eating disorder),
obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and severe symptoms of
premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-PMDD).
Prozac works by helping to
restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the
brain.
OTHER USES OF
PROZAC:
Prozac
has also been used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and
alcoholism.
HOW TO USE
PROZAC: Take
Prozac
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
Prozac
exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking
this medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop
taking
Prozac
without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks
before the full benefit of
Prozac
takes effect.
PROZAC
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.
PROZAC
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor
your medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney
disease, seizures, heart problems, diabetes, any allergies.
Prozac 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
Prozac
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.
Prozac
passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to
the infant, breast-feeding while using
Prozac
is not recommended. Consult your doctor before
breast-feeding.
PROZAC
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain
medications taken with
Prozac
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.
Prozac
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
Prozac
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
PROZAC
OVERDOSE: If overdose is
suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of
Prozac
overdose may include: irregular
heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
PROZAC
NOTES: Do not share this
medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may
be performed to monitor your progress.
PROZAC
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.
PROZAC
STORAGE: Store
Prozac
at room temperature between 59
and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and
moisture. |