Type: SSRI
Active ingredient: Fluoxetine
Common use: Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is chiefly used to treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
How to use: Unless otherwise ordered by your doctor, Prozac should be taken with a glass of water. Taking Prozac on an empty stomach will increase the risk of stomach upset, so eating something is recommended.
It can take several weeks before Prozac reaches its full effect. It is important to keep taking the medicine even if you do not notice any immediate improvement. It also important to continue to take Prozac even when you feel well. Do not stop taking Prozac without consulting your doctor. It is safer to gradually decrease the dose of Prozac than to stop abruptly.
If you miss a dose of Prozac, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time to take your next dose, skip the missed dose permanently and stick to your regular dosing schedule. Do no take two doses at once or near each other in time.
How to store: Store Prozac at room temperature in a tightly-closed container, and keep away from heat, light and moisture.
Warnings:
- Do not take Prozac if you are allergic to any of the ingredients.
- Examples of symptoms of an allergic reaction are a rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness and trouble breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if you experience symptoms of an allergic reaction to Prozac.
- It is important to keep all doctor appointments and laboratory appointments while being treated with Prozac.
- Prozac can cause drowsiness. Do not drive, operate machinery or do anything else that could be dangerous until your know how you react to Prozac.
- Other medicines (prescription medicine as well as over-the-counter medicine) can impact your reaction to Prozac. Do not take Prozac together with any other medicine without consulting your doctor first. Be especially cautious with medicines that include dextromethorphan.
- Alcohol, even in small amounts, can impact your reaction to Prozac. Prozac will add to the effects of alcohol and other depressants.
- If you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant, discuss the risks and benefits of Prozac. with your doctor. The risks usually outweighs the benefits for the third trimester.
- Prozac is excreted in breast milk. Breastfeeding while being treated with Zoloft is not recommended.
Examples of reported side-effects:
- Nervousness
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Lightheadedness
- Fatigue
- Nausea
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
- Loss of appetite
- Dry mouth
- Sweating
- Muscle spasms
- Changes in sexual function