Prozac

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Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is an antidepressant drug used medically in the treatment of depression, body dysmorphic disorder,obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, hypochondriasis and panic disorder.

Prozac is approved for the treatment of depression (including pediatric depression), obsessive-compulsive disorder (in both adult and pediatric populations), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Other indications include hypochondriasis and body dysmorphic disorder.

Drug Name: Prozac®, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem®, Rapiflux®

Generic Name: Fluoxetine

Benefits of Prozac

Prozac is an antidepressant used to treat bulimia, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

Important Information on Prozac

Indications: bulimia, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Side Effects: allergic reaction including swelling of hands, throat, and chest

Warnings: increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior (suicidality) in children and adolescents

Useful Information from the Pharmacist

Uses for Prozac

Prozac is an antidepressant used to treat bulimia, major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

When Prozac Should Not be Used

Do not use this medication if you have had an allergic reaction to fluoxetine. If you have used thioridazine in the past month do not use Prozac. Do not take this medication if you have used a MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. You should not start taking a MAO inhibitor or thiordazine for at least 5 weeks after you stop Prozac.

Dosing and Overdosing

Prozac Dosing

Fluoxetine may be taken once a day or once a week.

Your doctor will decide the correct dose and how often to take the medication. Do not take more than your doctor has prescribed.

If you forget a dose, take the dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to the time for your next dose, wait until the time of your next dose. Do not take extra medication for the missed dose.

If you are taking Prozac weekly and forget to take your medicine, take it as soon as you remember. Then return to your regular schedule.

Prozac Overdosing

If you have taken more of this medication than your doctor has prescribed, contact the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 or seek medical attention right away.

Side Effects of Prozac

Call your doctor right away if you notice any of the following side effects:

• allergic reaction including swelling of hands, face, mouth, tongue or problems breathing
• severe skin rash
• urination changes
• changes in heartbeat
• confusion
• dry mouth or increased thirst
• changes in mood including anxiety or agitation
• fever, chills, body aches, or weakness
• painful erection of penis or problems with sex
• bleeding or bruising
• vomiting with or without blood or vomit that looks like coffee grounds

Talk with your doctor about the following side effects:

• weight gain or weight loss
• loss of interest in sex
• dry mouth or sore throat
• pain in ears or ringing in your ears
• headache
• upset stomach or diarrhea
• nervousness or problems sleeping

Drug Interactions with Prozac

The following list may not be complete, talk to your doctor and pharmacist about all of your medications including over the counter and herbal products before taking this medication.

Make sure your doctor is aware if you take any of the following:

• heart medications
• tryptophan
• medications for seizures
• anxiety medications
• medication for migraine headaches
• warfarin
• other antidepressant medications or medications for mental illness
• lithium
• pain or arthritis medicines including NSAIDs
• MAO inhibitors
• medications that may make you sleepy such as cold medications and sedatives

How Prozac Works

Prozac inhibits serotonin reuptake which has been shown to help with the symptoms of depression.