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Fluoxetine
Brand
Name: Prozac
Most
Common Medical Uses
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.
How
to Take This Medication
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.
Possible
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.
Precautions
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.
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).
Many medications can have an adverse effect if taken with fluoxetine.
Drugs other than those listed here may also interact with fluoxetine.
Talk to your doctor and pharmacist before taking any prescription
or over-the-counter medicines, including herbal products.
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.
Storage
Store
at room temperature away from moisture and heat. Keep this and all
medications out of the reach of children.
Notes
Do
not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor.
It may take several weeks before you to start feeling better. Do
not share this medication with others.
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