Drug Uses
Prozac is prescribed for treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and many other disorders. It is a psychotropic drug, purposed for oral administration.
How Taken
The usual Prozac dose is once or twice a day. To show its full efficiency, make sure you follow your dose schedule properly. For your convenience, chose to take it every day at the same time so that you will remember easily. The results will appear up to four weeks, but the drug effect should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment period. In case of obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear.
Warnings/Precautions
You should not take Prozac in case you have had a recent heart attack or if you have liver disease or diabetes. Prozac may lead to drowsiness and decrease your alertness and judgment. You should avoid driving, operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness. During treatment with Prozac you may fee; light-headed, dizzy and even faint when getting up suddenly from a lying or sitting position. Try to stand up slowly and if the problem continues to appear, contact your physician. If you experience a skin rash or hives, discontinue taking Prozac and alarm your doctor. Be cautious if you have suffered from seizures. Before starting any treatment with Prozac, make sure your doctor is informed about all your past medical conditions. Prozac may be the reason for a decrease in appetite and loss of weight, especially regarding people who are already underweight and those suffering from bulimia. If you notice any changes regarding your weight or appetite, alarm your doctor. Prozac is not fully studied whether it can have any negative effects during pregnancy. In case of pregnancy or if you plan to get pregnant during treatment with Prozac, inform your doctor immediately. The drug is known to pass into breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking Prozac.
Missed Dose
In case you have forgotten a dose, take it as soon as you notice. If it is too close to the next one, ignore the missed one and resume your usual dose schedule. Do not take two doses at a time.
Possible Side Effects
Side-effects can not be predicted. If you observe any reactions that develop change in intensity, contact your doctor as soon as possible. You will be advised whether it is safe for you to continue taking Prozac.
Common side effects are:
Abnormal ejaculation, abnormal dreams, abnormal vision, diminished sex drive, anxiety,dizziness, flu-like symptoms, dry mouth, flushing, headache, gas, impotence, itching, , insomnia, loss of appetite, nervousness, nausea, rash, sleepiness, sinusitis, sore throat, tremors, sweating,upset stomach, weakness, vomiting, yawning.
Less possible reactions are:
Agitation, abnormal taste, bleeding problems, confusion, chills, ear pain, fever, emotional instability, frequent urination, increased appetite, high blood pressure, loss of memory, ringing in the ears, palpitations, sleep disorders, weight gain.
In children and adolescents, less common but still possible side effects may include: excessive menstrual bleeding, agitation, frequent urination, mania or hypomania (inappropriate feelings of elation and/or rapid thoughts), hyperactivity, nosebleeds, personality changes, and thirst.
There is a wide range of rare reactions that have been declared during Prozac treatment. If you observe any unusual and different symptoms, inform your doctor without delay.
Storage
Keep in a dry place at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).
Overdose
Prozac overdose can be fatal. The combination of Prozac with other drugs can cause symptoms of overdose. If you have any doubts of an overdose, find instant medical help. Possible symptoms of Prozac overdose are: rapid heartbeat, nausea, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting. Other more serious reactions of Prozac overdose include: delirium, coma, high fever, fainting, irregular heartbeat, mania, rigid muscles, low blood pressure, sweating, stupor.
More Information
Do not combine Prozac with MAO inhibitors or at least wait for two weeks after their discontinuation. MAO inhibitor drugs must not be taken for at least five weeks after discontinuing treatment with Prozac. Most drugs that are influencing the brain are likely to slow reflexes or impair judgment that’s why be cautious during treatment period. As this medication has not been fully studied in the US, you physician should periodically re-evaluate it. Before starting any other drugs during treatment with Prozac, first contact your doctor.
Disclaimer
The information above is only for your awareness and it is not comprehensive. It doesn’t cover all the existing information on the topic. It is has a generalizing purpose and it should not be used for any other reasons. The listed information is not purposed for each specific patient. We are not responsible for the truthfulness and punctuality of the included information and for any consequences due to the use of the containing data. There can be expressed no rights, on the basis of this data
Allergies
