PROZAC DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The
following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
FLUOXETINE - ORAL (flew-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem
USES: Fluoxetine is used to treat
depression, bulimia (an eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders
(OCD), and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual
dysphoric disorder-PMDD). This medication works by helping to restore
the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This medication has
also been used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication
by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food;
or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical
condition and response to therapy. Some medical conditions may require
a different dosing schedule (e.g., twice daily in the morning and
at noon) as determined by your doctor. Take this medication exactly
as prescribed. It is important to continue taking this medication
even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication
without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before
the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache,
trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, or upset stomach
may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your
doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious
side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, unusual
or severe mental/mood changes, uncontrolled movements (tremor),
decreased interest in sex, flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, fever,
muscle aches, weakness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of
these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, trouble
swallowing, swelling or white spots on the mouth and/or tongue,
changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection. Tell
your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very
serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular/fast heartbeat.
An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction
include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your
medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney disease,
seizures, heart problems, diabetes, any allergies. This drug may
make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar and/or small
amounts of alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol
dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about
the safe use of this product. Caution is advised when using this
product in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the
effects of the drug. This medication should be used only when clearly
needed during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor. This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential
risk to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not
recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications
taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug
interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid,
linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine)
within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before
or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or
pharmacist for additional information. This drug is not recommended
for use with: weight loss medicine (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine),
thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g.,
citalopram, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan"
migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic
antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), flecainide,
propafenone, haloperidol, clozapine, lithium, tryptophan, "blood
thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine,
phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural products (e.g., St John's
wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause
drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine),
muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g., phenothiazines such
as chlorpromazine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine).
Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products)
because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your
pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Report other drugs
which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide,
pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water
pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide).
Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Fluoxetine may affect
the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you take any anti-diabetes
medication (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, metformin), your dosage
of these drugs may need to be adjusted when fluoxetine is started
or discontinued. Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine
without doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting,
severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication
with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose,
use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next
dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule.
Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture.
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