Description
Prozac is an antidepressant medication used to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and obsessional compulsive disorder (OCD). Prozac was one of the first selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) to be approved by the FDA in 1987. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
Side Effects:
Side effects of Prozac may include: headache, drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, increased sweating, loss of appetite, sexual side effects such as decreased libido or ejaculatory dysfunction. Prozac can also cause withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly.
Dosages:
Prozac is available in 10, 20, and 40 mg capsules. The usual starting dose is 20 mg per day. Prozac can be taken with or without food.
If you miss a dose of Prozac, take it as soon as possible. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Uses:
Prozac is FDA-approved for the treatment of major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and OCD. Prozac may also be used “off-label” for the treatment of other conditions such as premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Prozac is not recommended for use during pregnancy. Prozac may cause serious birth defects or other problems in newborns. Prozac should also not be used during breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and cause serious side effects in a nursing baby.
If you are planning on becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Prozac. You should also talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Prozac while breastfeeding.
Warnings:
Prozac may cause serious side effects. Tell your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms while taking Prozac:
-Agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heartbeat, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, fainting.
-Seizures
-Yellowing of the skin or eyes
-Unusual bruising or bleeding
-Fever
-Rash
-Hives
If you experience any of these symptoms, call your doctor immediately. Prozac can also cause withdrawal symptoms if it is stopped suddenly. Do not stop taking Prozac without talking to your doctor first. Your doctor may want to gradually decrease your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms.
Prozac may interact with other medications. Tell your doctor all prescription and over-the-counter medications and supplements you take. Prozac should not be taken with MAO inhibitors or Pimozide. Prozac can also cause drowsiness, so do not drink alcohol or operate heavy machinery while taking Prozac.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or planning on becoming pregnant while taking Prozac as it can cause serious birth defects or other problems in newborns. Prozac should also not be used during breastfeeding as it can pass into breast milk and cause serious side effects in a nursing baby.
Consult your doctor before taking Prozac if you have liver disease, kidney disease, epilepsy, a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts, or if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
Prozac may cause drowsiness, so do not drink alcohol or operate heavy machinery while taking Prozac.
Do not stop taking Prozac without talking to your doctor first as you may experience withdrawal symptoms. Your doctor may want to gradually decrease your dose to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Prozac can be habit forming. Do not take a larger dose, take it more often, or for a longer period of time than prescribed by your doctor. Prozac may be taken with or without food. Store Prozac at room temperature away from light and moisture. Keep Prozac out of the reach of children and pets.
