Prozac

Generic Name: Fluoxetine (flew OX e teen)
Brand Names: Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem

What is the most important information I should know about Prozac?

• While you are taking Prozac you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking Prozac. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with Prozac. Do not stop taking Prozac.

• Do not stop taking Prozac without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks before you to start feeling better.

What is Prozac?

• Prozac is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Prozac affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or mood disturbances, eating disorders, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms.

• Prozac is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorder, and bulimia (binge eating and purging). Prozac is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), symptoms of which occur in the week or two before a woman's menstrual period and commonly include irritability, mood swings, and tension as well as the physical symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness.

• Prozac may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.

What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking Prozac?

• While you are taking Prozac you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This concern about the increased risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years of age or younger and are taking Prozac. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend beyond start of therapy or when doses are changed. Your doctor may want you to monitor for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may be associated with the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/ or suicidal thoughts or actions. Contact your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with Prozac. Do not stop taking Prozac.

• Do not take Prozac if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take Prozac if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping Prozac before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).

• You may not be able to take Prozac, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.

• Prozac is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Babies exposed to Prozac and/ or other drugs of the same class during the third trimester of pregnancy may develop medical complications. Discuss the risks with your doctor. Do not take this medication without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.

• Prozac passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take Prozac without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.

How should I take Prozac?

• Take Prozac exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.

• Take each dose with water.

• To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the oral solution with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.

• Prozac may be taken with or without food.

• Try to take Prozac at the same time each day.

• Take Prozac Weekly on the same day each week as directed by your doctor.

• Do not stop taking Prozac without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks before you to start feeling better.

• It is important to take Prozac regularly to get the most benefit.

• Your doctor may want to perform tests or schedule appointments to monitor your treatment with Prozac.

• Store Prozac at room temperature away from moisture and heat.

What happens if I miss a dose?

• Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.

What happens if I overdose?

• Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.

• Symptoms of a Prozac overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, seizures, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.

What should I avoid while taking Prozac?

• Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Prozac may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.

• Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking Prozac.

What other drugs will affect Prozac?

• Do not take Prozac if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take Prozac if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping Prozac before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).

• You may not be able to take Prozac, or you may require a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you are taking any of the medicines listed above.

• Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with Prozac. Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicines, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.

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