Fluoxetine
is most commonly used to treat
depression, obsessive-compulsive
disorders, panic disorder, and
bulimia (binge eating and purging).
Fluoxetine is also used to treat
premenstrual dysphoric disorder
(PMDD), symptoms of which occur
in the week or two before a woman's
menstrual period and commonly
include irritability, mood swings,
and tension as well as the physical
symptoms of bloating and breast
tenderness. Fluoxetine may also
be used for purposes other than
those here.
Fluoxetine Directions?
Take fluoxetine exactly
as directed by your doctor. Take each dose
with water. Fluoxetine may be taken with or
without food. Try to take fluoxetine at the
same time each day. Take Prozac Weekly on
the same day each week as directed by your
doctor. Do not stop taking fluoxetine without
first talking to your doctor. It may take
several weeks before you to start feeling
better. Your doctor may want to perform tests
or schedule appointments to monitor your treatment
with fluoxetine.
Fluoxetine Side Effects?
Stop taking fluoxetine
and contact your doctor immediately or seek
emergency medical treatment if your experience
any of the following: an allergic reaction
(difficulty breathing; closing of the throat;
swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or
hives); an irregular heartbeat or pulse; low
blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high
blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision);
chills or fever; unusual bleeding or bruising;
a rash or hives. If you experience any of
the following less serious side effects, continue
taking fluoxetine and talk to your doctor:
headache, tremor, nervousness, or anxiety;
difficulty concentrating; nausea, diarrhea,
dry mouth, or changes in appetite or weight.
Side effects other than those listed here
may also occur. Talk to your doctor about
any side effect that seems unusual or that
is especially bothersome.
Fluoxetine Warnings?
Use caution when driving,
operating machinery, or performing other hazardous
activities. Fluoxetine may cause dizziness
or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness
or drowsiness, avoid these activities. Use
alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness
or dizziness while taking fluoxetine.
Fluoxetine Drug Interactions?
Do not take fluoxetine
if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor
(MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine
(Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during
the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal,
reactions have occurred when these medicines
have been used together. Also, do not take
fluoxetine if you are taking thioridazine
(Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular
heartbeats may occur if these medicines are
taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after
stopping fluoxetine before taking thioridazine
(Mellaril). Before taking fluoxetine, tell
your doctor if you have liver disease; have
kidney disease; have diabetes; suffer from
seizures; or suffer from mania or have suicidal
thoughts. Do not take fluoxetine without first
talking to your doctor if you are pregnant,
could become pregnant, or are breast-feeding
during treatment.
Fluoxetine Missed
Dose?
Take the missed dose
as soon as you remember. However, if it is
almost time for the next regularly scheduled
dose, skip the missed dose and take the next
one as directed. Do not take a double dose
of this medication unless otherwise directed
by your doctor.
Fluoxetine Storage?
Store it at room temperature
away from sunlight and moisture. Keep this
and all medications out of the reach of children.
Anything Else I Should
Know About Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine is in the
FDA pregnancy category C. This means that
it is not known whether fluoxetine will be
harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take fluoxetine
without first talking to your doctor if you
are pregnant or could become pregnant during
treatment. Fluoxetine passes into breast milk
and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take
fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor
if you are breast-feeding a baby.
NOTE: The above
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 the use of the product is safe,
appropriate, or effective for you. Consult
your healthcare professional before taking
the product.
