The
following information is a summary about
Fluoxetine.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Fluoxetine USES
Fluoxetine (Prozac) 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.
Fluoxetine DIRECTIONS
Take your Fluoxetine by mouth as prescribed. It is
usually taken every 4 to 6 hours as needed. Use Fluoxetine
exactly as prescribed. Do not increase your dose,
use it more frequently or use it for a longer period
of time than prescribed because this drug can be
habit-forming. Also, if used for an extended period
of time, do not suddenly stop using this drug without
your doctor's approval. When used for extended periods,
Fluoxetine may not work as well and may require different
dosing. Consult your doctor if Fluoxetine stops working
well.
Fluoxetine SIDE EFFECTS
Fluoxetine may cause dizziness, weakness, incoordination,
nausea or vomiting, stomach upset, constipation,
headache, drowsiness, anxiety, irritability, dry
mouth, or increased sweating. If any of these effects
persist or worsen, inform your doctor. Notify your
doctor if you develop any of these serious effects
while taking Fluoxetine: chest pain, rapid heart
rate, skin rash or itching, mental confusion, disorientation,
seizures, tingling of the hands or feet, trouble
breathing. In the unlikely event you have an allergic
reaction to this drug, seek immediate medical attention.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, breathing trouble. If you notice
other effects not listed above, contact your doctor
or pharmacist.
Fluoxetine PRECAUTIONS
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorder,
lung disease, history of drug or alcohol dependency,
any allergies you may have. Limit alcohol as it may
add to the dizziness or drowsiness effects caused
by Fluoxetine. Because this drug may make you dizzy/drowsy,
use caution performing tasks requiring alertness
such as driving. Caution is advised when using this
drug in the elderly because they may be more sensitive
to the effects of the drug. Fluoxetine should be
used only when clearly needed during pregnancy. Discuss
the risks and benefits with your doctor. Fluoxetine
is excreted into breast milk. Because the effects
on a nursing infant are not known, consult your doctor
before breast- feeding.
Fluoxetine DRUG INTERACTIONS
Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
meds you may use, especially of: carbamazepine, narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), drugs used to aid
sleep, antidepressants (e.g., SSRI-types such as
fluoxetine or fluvoxamine), MAO inhibitors (e.g.,
furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, procarbazine,
selegiline, tranylcypromine), psychiatric medicine
(e.g., nefazodone), "triptan"-type drugs, anti-anxiety
drugs (e.g., diazepam), sibutramine. Also, report
use of certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine)
which are also present in many cough-and-cold products.
Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
Fluoxetine OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Fluoxetine NOTES
Do not share Fluoxetine with others. Medical examinations
including the nose are generally performed during
prolonged use of this product to check for side effects.
Inform all your doctors you use (or have used) Fluoxetine.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Fluoxetine 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-up" the dose to catch up.
Fluoxetine STORAGE
Store Fluoxetine at room temperature between 36 and
77 degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and
moisture.
