How Prozac should be taken.
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.
Precautions or Warnings for Prozac
Unless you are directed to do so by your physician, 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 physician.
If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Prozac, discontinue use of the medication and notify your physician immediately.
Prozac should be used with caution if you have a history of seizures. You should discuss all of your medical conditions with your physician 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 physician.
The effects of Prozac during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your physician immediately. This medication appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking Prozac.
What to do if you miss a dose of Prozac
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 What to do if you miss a dose of Prozac and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Side effects that may be possible for Prozac
Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your physician as soon as possible. Only your physician 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 physician without delay.
How to store Prozac
Store in a dry place at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).
What to do when overdosing on Prozac
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.
Other information on Prozac
Do not take with MAO inhibitors or for at least two weeks after their discontinuation. MAO inhibitor 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 your pharmacist when taking with other medications.
Important Disclaimer - Please read
Prozac data on this page is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of this medication or any other in conjunction. By all means, this is general information only, and should not be relied on for any purpose. This information should not be construed as containing specific diagnosis, advice, or instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the reliability and accuracy of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including adverse consequences or damage to persons or property, however such adverse consequences or damage may happen. Either expressed or implied, no warranty is made in regards to this information.
