The
following information is a summary about Prozac.
It is not intended to replace a doctor's instructions.
Prozac USES
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.
Prozac has also been used to treat panic attacks,
obesity, and alcoholism.
Prozac DIRECTIONS
Take Prozac 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 Prozac exactly as prescribed. It
is important to continue taking Prozac even if you
feel well. Also, do not stop taking Prozac without
consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks
before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
Prozac 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.
Prozac 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.
Prozac 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 Prozac. 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., Elavil, 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. Prozac
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 Prozac is
started or discontinued. Consult your doctor. Do
not start or stop any medicine without doctor or
pharmacist approval.
Prozac OVERDOSE
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison
control center or emergency room immediately.
Prozac NOTES
Do not share Prozac 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) Prozac.
MISSED DOSE
If you miss a dose, use Prozac 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.
Prozac STORAGE
Store Prozac at room temperature between 36 and 77
degrees F (2 -25 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
