Prozac

What is Prozac?

As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, Prozac is used to treat bulimia nervosa (known as an eating disorder), anxiety, depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

What is the most important information I should know about Prozac?

Never take Prozac if you are currently using such drugs as thioridazine (Mellaril), pimozide (Orap) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), tranylcypromine (Parnate) or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam).

If you are going to take Prozac, wait 2 weeks or more after you stopped using MAO inhibitors; and wait 5 weeks after you stopped taking Prozac if you want to treat with MAO inhibitors or thioridazine (Mellaril).

If you are using antidepressant medications for the first time, there exists a risk of having suicidal thoughts, especially if you are younger than 24 years. You should see your health care provider regularly within the first 12 weeks of treatment.

Prozac is the only antidepressant which was approved by FDA for use in children who have depression.

Consult with your doctor right away in case you notice such symptoms as panic attacks; anxiety; suicidal thoughts; irritability; feeling hostile, impulsive, hyperactive or restless; changes in behavior and mood; intense depression; excessive agitation; and insomnia.

If you suffer from kidney disease, liver disease, seizure, epilepsy, maniac depression (known as bipolar disorder), diabetes or have a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse, you should inform your doctor before starting treatment with Prozac.

FDA pregnancy category C. Prozac is expected to be harmful for a fetus, causing life-threatening lungs problems, if a woman took the drug during pregnancy. However, you shouldn't stop taking Prozac as soon as you become pregnant, as it may aggravate depression symptoms. See your doctor beforehand. Prozac is likely to appear in breast milk, so do not take the drug when you are breastfeeding a baby.

How should I take Prozac?

Do not crush, chew or open an extended-release capsule, otherwise the medication will be released at once and make harm to your body. Swallow the capsule whole instead.

If you take Prozac in a liquid form, adjust your dose with the help of a special dose-measuring device.

It is important to understand that sometimes it may take 4 weeks or more before you can see any improvements. Keep taking the drug as it was prescribed. Do not stop using Prozac at once to prevent serious side effects from developing.

Store the medication away from heat and moisture. Keep Prozac at room temperature.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as possible. Never double your dose to catch up.

What happens if I overdose?

If you experience such overdose symptoms as nausea, vomiting, sleeplessness, confusion, rapid and uneven heartbeat, fainting, seizure, fever or even coma, seek medical help right away.