Fluoxetine

Generic Name

Fluoxetine.

Brand Names

Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem.

General Information

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorder, and bulimia (binge eating and purging). Fluoxetine comes as a capsule, a tablet, a delayed-release capsule, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. Fluoxetine may be taken with or without food. Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or mood disturbances, eating disorders, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms. Fluoxetine is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder, 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. While you are taking fluoxetine you may need to be monitored for worsening symptoms of depression and suicidal thoughts at the start of therapy or when doses are changed. This medication appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine Dosage

Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.
It usually is taken once or twice daily; however, it also has been taken once weekly.
Fluoxetine should be taken with food at doses specifically directed by your physician.

Side Effects of Fluoxetine

Some common side effects reported with this medicine include:

Headache.
Loss of appetite.
Diarrhea.
Sores in mouth or lips.
Nausea.
Changes in weight.
Dry mouth.
Excessive sweating.

Warnings and precautions before taking Fluoxetine

Do not drive or operate heavy machinery when taking this medication or anything that needs you to be alert until you know how this medication is going to affect you. This medication will cause you to become drowsy.
Do not take this medication if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this medication or any of its ingredients.
If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Prozac, discontinue use of the medication and notify your doctor immediately.
Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor.
Caution is advised when using this drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects, especially drowsiness.
Do not stop taking Fluoxetine without speaking to your doctor first.

Overdosage

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication.
Symptoms of fluoxetine overdose may include: unsteadiness, confusion, unresponsiveness, nervousness, shaking hands that you cannot control, dizziness, seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating).
US residents can call the US national poison hotline at 1-800-222-1222.

Disclaimer : All information on www.healthatoz.info is for educational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional medical advice. For specific medical advice, diagnoses, and treatment, please consult your doctor.