Prozac (Fluoxetine)
>> Indications and Usage:
Fluoxetine concerns to a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Generic (Prozac) Fluoxetine influences chemical messengers in the brain that may become unbalanced and lead to depression or mood disturbances, eating disorders, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms. Generic (Prozac) Fluoxetine is applied for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorder, and bulimia (binge eating and purging). Generic (Prozac) Fluoxetine is also applied for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). The symptoms of this disorder occur in the week or two before a woman's menstrual period and commonly include irritability, mood swings, and tension in combination with the physical symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness. Fluoxetine may also be applied for purposes not listed in this medication guide.
>> Important Information:
While you are accepting fluoxetine you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts. This monitoring is usually made at the beginning of therapy or when doses are changed. This alarm about the extended risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years old or younger and are taking fluoxetine. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend not only at the beginning of therapy or when doses are changed. Your physician may want to make a monitoring of you for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may show the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or actions. If you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with fluoxetine communicate your physician. Do not stop accepting fluoxetine. Do not stop accepting fluoxetine without first communicating with your physician. It may take several weeks before you will become feeling better.
>> Contraindications:
While you are accepting fluoxetine you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts. This monitoring is usually made at the beginning of therapy or when doses are changed. This alarm about the extended risk of suicidal thoughts or behaviors may be greater if you are 18 years old or younger and are taking fluoxetine. In patients younger than 18 years, the period of risk may extend not only at the beginning of therapy or when doses are changed. Your physician may want to make a monitoring of you for the following symptoms: anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsivity, severe restlessness, and mania (mental and/ or physical hyperactivity). These symptoms may show the development of worsening symptoms of depression and/or suicidal thoughts or actions. If you develop any new or worsening mental health symptoms during treatment with fluoxetine communicate your physician. Do not stop accepting fluoxetine. Do not accept fluoxetine if you have used 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 fluoxetine have been accepted in combination with these drugs. Also, do not accept fluoxetine if you are applying thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if fluoxetine is accepted in combination with this drug. You must wait 5 weeks after finishing treatment with fluoxetine before using thioridazine (Mellaril). Before accepting fluoxetine, tell your physician if you
* have disease of liver;
* have disease of kidney;
* have diabetes;
* suffer from seizures; or
* suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.
If you have any of the conditions listed above, you may not be able to accept fluoxetine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Fluoxetine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. Babies influenced by fluoxetine and/or other medicines of the same class during the third trimester of pregnancy may have medical complications. Discuss the risks with your physician. If you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment do not take this drug without first talking to your physician. Fluoxetine percolates into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. If you are breast-feeding do not take fluoxetine without first talking to your physician.
>> Dosage and Administration:
Take fluoxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you do not understand these prescriptions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or physician to explain them to you once more. Take water with each dose. Measure the oral solution with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not with a regular table spoon to ensure that you get the correct dose. Ask your pharmacist for a dose-measuring device if you do not have it. Fluoxetine may be accepted with or without food. Try to accept fluoxetine at the same time each day. Take Prozac Weekly on the same day each week as prescribed by your physician. Do not stop accepting fluoxetine without first communicating with your physician. It may take several weeks before you will become feeling better. For the most benefit you should accept fluoxetine regularly. Your physician may want to perform tests or schedule appointments for monitoring of your treatment with fluoxetine.
>> Possible Adverse Reactions:
In case of experience any of the following serious adverse reactions, stop taking fluoxetine and look for emergency medical attention or communicate with your doctor immediately:
*an allergic reaction (difficulty in breathing; oedema of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives);
* an irregular heartbeat or pulse;
* low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness);
* high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
* chills or fever;
*unusual bleeding or bruising;
* a rash or hives.
Other, less serious adverse reactions may be more likely to appear. Continue to apply fluoxetine and communicate with your doctor if you experience:
* headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
* difficulty concentrating;
* nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight;
* weakness;
* increased sweating;
* sleepiness or insomnia; or
* decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.
Some adverse reactions can also appear (not from this list). Connect your physician in case of any adverse reaction that seems unusual or that is especially bothersome.
>> Miss a Dose:
Accept the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, allow the missed dose and take the drug at the next time according to schedule. Do not take two doses of this medication at the same time unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
>> Overdose:
Look for emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected. Symptoms of a fluoxetine overdose are nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, seizures, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
>> Drug Interaction:
Do not accept fluoxetine if you have used 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 fluoxetine have been accepted in combination with these drugs. Also, do not accept fluoxetine if you are applying thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if fluoxetine is accepted in combination with this drug. You must wait 5 weeks after finishing treatment with fluoxetine before using thioridazine (Mellaril). Before accepting fluoxetine, tell your physician if you are using any of the following drugs:
* a benzodiazepine such as diazepam (Valium), alprazolam (Xanax), chlordiazepoxide (Librium), clorazepate (Tranxene), temazepam (Restoril), triazolam (Halcion), and others;
* a tricyclic antidepressant such as amitriptyline (Elavil), imipramine (Tofranil), doxepin (Sinequan), nortriptyline (Pamelor), and others;
* St. John's wort;
* a phenothiazine such as chlorpromazine (Thorazine), fluphenazine (Prolixin), mesoridazine (Serentil), perphenazine (Trilafon), prochlorperazine (Compazine), and others;
* lithium (Lithobid, Eskalith, others) or haloperidol (Haldol);
* almotriptan (Axert), frovatriptan (Frova), sumatriptan (Imitrex), naratriptan (Amerge), rizatriptan (Maxalt), or zolmitriptan (Zomig);
* carbamazepine (Tegretol) or phenytoin (Dilantin);
* warfarin (Coumadin); or
* digoxin (Lanoxin).
If you are accepting any of the drugs listed above, you may not be able to accept fluoxetine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment. Other medicines not listed here may also interact with fluoxetine. Communicate with your physician and pharmacist before accepting any prescription or over-the-counter drugs, including vitamins, minerals, and herbal products.
>> Precautions:
Be cautious when driving, operating machinery, or performing other dangerous activities. Fluoxetine may lead to dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, stop these activities. Use alcohol cautiously because it may extend drowsiness or dizziness while accepting fluoxetine.
