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. This medication has also been used to treat panic attacks,
obesity, and alcoholism.
Directions
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 efects
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.
Missed Dosage
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.
Prozac
