Prozac was the first of a new class of drugs, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to be approved for use in the United States. This new type of medication helps patients with depression by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. Scientists believe serotonin affects many types of activity in the brain, including the regulation of mood.
Prescribed by U.S. doctors and dispensed by U.S. pharmacists.
Capsules
Chemical Name: FLUOXETINE (floo-OX-uh-teen)
Common uses
Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used
to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or bulimia. Prozac
may also be used to treat PMS (premenstrual syndrome). It may also be used to
treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with Prozac.
INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine
that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE Prozac if you are also taking astemizole,
dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, sibutramine, terfenadine, thioridazine, tramadol,
or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR
CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cisapride, clozapine, cyclobenzaprine,
cyproheptadine, lithium, propafenone, selegiline, tricyclic antidepressants, or
medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking Prozac.
Directions
Follow the directions for using Prozac provided by your doctor.
TAKE Prozac WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE Prozac at
room temperature, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE Prozac even
if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF Prozac,
skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take
2 doses at once.
Cautions
UP TO 4 WEEKS MAY PASS before Prozac reaches its full effect.
Do not stop taking Prozac without checking with your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE,
OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know
how you react to Prozac. Using Prozac alone, with other medicines,
or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially
dangerous tasks. Prozac WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants.
Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain
dextromethorphan. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your
doctor the benefits and risks of using Prozac during pregnancy. Prozac
IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. The manufacturer of Prozac states that taking
Prozac while breast-feeding is not recommended. CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR
ABOUT BREAST-FEEDING.
Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nervousness,
trouble sleeping, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss
of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle spasms, or
changes in sexual function. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your
doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse,
or pharmacist.
Drug interactions
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a
medicine from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other.
If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting,
seizures, restlessness, fast or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.
Additional information
DO NOT SHARE Prozac with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT
USE Prozac for other health conditions. KEEP Prozac out of the reach
of children and pets. IF USING Prozac FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain
refills before your supply runs out.
