Prozac Drug Uses

Prozac is a drug used medically in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and many other disorders. It is a psychotropic drug for oral administration.

How To Take Prozac

Prozac usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, it should be taken regularly. Make a habit of taking it at the same time you do some other daily activity. It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your depression, but the drug's effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear.

Prozac Warnings/Precautions

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you have liver disease or diabetes. Prozac may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended. While taking this medication, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor. If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Prozac, discontinue use of the medication and notify your doctor immediately. Prozac should be used with caution if you have a history of seizures. You should discuss all of your medical conditions with your doctor before taking this medication. Prozac can occasionally cause decreased appetite and weight loss, especially in depressed people who are already underweight and in those with bulimia. If you notice changes in your weight or appetite, tell your doctor. The effects of Prozac during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking Prozac.

Prozac Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of Prozac and you remember the same day, take it as soon as possible. If you do not remember until the next day, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Prozac Side Effects

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, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning. Less common side effects may include: Abnormal taste, agitation, bleeding problems, chills, confusion, ear pain, emotional instability, fever, frequent urination, high blood pressure, increased appetite, loss of memory, palpitations, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, weight gain. In children and adolescents, less common side effects may also include: Agitation, excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, hyperactivity, mania or hypomania (inappropriate feelings of elation and/or rapid thoughts), nosebleeds, personality changes, and thirst. A wide variety of other very rare reactions have been reported during Prozac therapy. If you develop any new or unexplained symptoms, tell your doctor without delay.

The issue with Prozac weight loss has to deal with what the drug is treating, and how people feel about their bodies - both before and after taking Prozac. Prozac weight loss might be beneficial for some, while detrimental for others. It all depends on who is taking Prozac. Prozac should not be considered a weight loss drug, since this is only a side effect and might not happen for everyone taking it. The drug manages to alter the levels of serotonin in your brain, and get them back to a more normal state to combat the feeling of depression. It is only a temporary fix however, and will not stay in your body forever. If you experience Prozac weight loss as a side effect, and then slowly stop taking the drug, you can experience a weight gain. This is where there is a potential danger for people battling depression. Many people associate weight loss with a better outlook on life - Prozac can help people sometimes in that regard. However, a person battling depression who then comes off Prozac and starts to gain back weight can have a negative reaction to this and it can push him or her back into a deeper state of depression.

Prozac Storage

Store in a dry place at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).

Prozac Overdose

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.

Prozac Contraindications

Combining Prozac with MAO inhibitors or Mellaril (thioridazine) is dangerous.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

If Prozac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prozac with the following:Contraindications Alprazolam (Xanax)
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Diazepam (Valium)
Digitoxin (Crystodigin)
Drugs that impair brain function, such as sleep aids and narcotic painkillers
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Other antidepressants (Elavil)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Pimozide (Orap)
Tryptophan
Vinblastine (Velban)
Warfarin (Coumadin)

More Information on Prozac

Do not take with MAO inhibitors or for at least two weeks after their discontinuation. MAO inhibitors medications should not be taken for at least five weeks after discontinuing Prozac. Most medications affecting the brain have the potential to slow reflexes or impair judgment and caution is advised. This medication has not been studied extensively in the US and re-evaluation periodically by your physician is advised. Check with you pharmacist when taking with other medications.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. Cheapermedicine.net disclaims all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.