Prozac is used for treating depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children. It is used to treat bulimia nervosa and panic disorder in adults. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve certain mood problems.
Before Using This Medicine
In deciding to use a medicine, the risks of taking the medicine must be weighed against the good it will do. This is a decision you and your doctor will make. For fluoxetine, the following should be considered:
Tell your doctor if you have ever had any unusual or allergic reaction to fluoxetine. Also tell your health care professional if you are allergic to any other substances, such as foods, preservatives, or dyes.
One study of babies whose mothers had taken fluoxetine while they were pregnant found some problems in the babies, such as premature birth, jitteriness, and trouble in breathing or nursing. However, four other studies did not find any problems in babies or young children whose mothers had taken fluoxetine while they were pregnant. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant (especially if it is the third trimester) or if you may become pregnant while you are taking this medicine.
Fluoxetine passes into breast milk. A study of 11 breast-fed babies whose mothers were taking fluoxetine found no effect on the babies. However, another baby whose mother was taking this medicine had vomiting, watery stools, crying, and sleep problems. Be sure you have discussed the risks and benefits of this medicine with your doctor.
This medicine has been tested in a limited number of children 7 to 18 years of age. These studies indicate that fluoxetine may help to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in children. However, unusual excitement, restlessness, irritability, and trouble in sleeping may be especially likely to occur in children, who seem to be more sensitive than adults to the effects of fluoxetine. Fluoxetine must be used with caution in children with depression. Studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. More study is needed to be sure fluoxetine is safe and effective in children.
Many medicines have not been tested in older people. Therefore, it may not be known whether they work exactly the same way they do in younger adults or if they cause different side effects or problems in older people. In studies done to date that included elderly people, fluoxetine did not cause different side effects or problems in older people than it did in younger adults.
What side effects may occur?
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Prozac.
More common side effects may include: abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, anxiety, diarrhea, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sex-drive changes, sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning.
Overdosage
Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Prozac can be fatal. In addition, combining Prozac with certain other drugs can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.
Common symptoms of Prozac overdose include: nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting.
Other symptoms of Prozac overdose include: coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor.
|
Default