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Prozac |
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What is Prozac and why is it prescribed? Prozac is prescribed for the treatment of depression. Prozac is also prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Prozac is also used in the treatment of bulimia. It has also been used to treat other eating disorders and obesity. The active ingredient in Prozac is also prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), formerly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Prozac is a member of the family of drugs called "selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors." Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Prozac slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain. Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when Prozac is used in combination with other antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate, and when Prozac is discontinued and an MAO inhibitor is started. Never take Prozac with one of these drugs or within at least 14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them; and allow 5 weeks or more between stopping Prozac and starting an MAO inhibitor. Be especially cautious if you have been taking Prozac in high doses or for a long time. If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs, notify your doctor before taking Prozac. How should you take Prozac? Follow your doctors directions for taking Prozac. Prozac usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, Prozac 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 Prozac'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. If you miss a dose take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip the dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose. Store Prozac at room temperature. Are there any Prozac side effects? Prozac side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. More common Prozac 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, and yawning. Less common Prozac 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, and weight gain. A wide variety of other very rare reactions have been reported during Prozac therapy. If you develop any new or unexplained symptoms, tell your doctor without delay. What are the possible food and drug interactions when taking Prozac? If Prozac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. Be sure to inform your doctor of all the prescription and over the counter medications you are taking. Combining Prozac with MAO inhibitors is dangerous. Do not drink alcohol while taking Prozac. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prozac with Alprazolam (Xanax), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Clozapine (Clozaril), Diazepam (Valium), Digitoxin (Crystodigin), Drugs that impair brain function (such as sleep aids and narcotic painkillers), Flecainide (Tambocor), Haloperidol (Haldol), Lithium (Eskalith), Other antidepressants (Elavil), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Pimozide (Orap), Tryptophan, Vinblastine (Velban), or Warfarin (Coumadin). Are there any special warnings about Prozac? Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take Prozac 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. While taking Prozac, 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 doctor. If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Prozac, discontinue use of the medication and notify your doctor immediately. Prozac should be used with caution if you have a history of seizures. You should discuss all of your medical conditions with your doctor before taking Prozac. The safety and effectiveness of Prozac have not been established in children. |
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