Fluoxetine (Generic Prozac ®)
Important Note
The following information is intended to supplement, not substitute
for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or
other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate
that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.
Consult your healthcare professional before using this drug.
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.
Other Uses
This medication has also been used to treat panic attacks, obesity,
and alcoholism.
How to Use
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 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.
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.
Notes
Do not share this medication with others. Laboratory and/or medical
tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
Missed Dose
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.
