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. |
