| | Medication Information:
Fluoxetine (generic) ~ Prozac (brand) Classification: Antidepressant (SSRI type)
Common Usage: Major depressive disorder; obsessive-compulsive disorder
(OCD); panic disorder; bulimia nervosa; social phobia CommonMajor Side Effects: This drug must not be discontinued suddenly (without
a physician's guidance), as depression may return quickly and more severely than
when the drug was first started. The most common side effects can include
headache, nervousness, sleeplessness, drowsiness, anxiety, shakiness, dizziness,
general feeling of weakness or fatigue, nausea and upset stomach (take with food
or milk), diarrhea, decreased appetite, constipation and decrease in sexual
desire. Some side effects may lessen in severity or even subside within
a few weeks of therapy. When dosages are increased, some side effects may
correspondingly increase in severity. This is not a complete list of all
known or potential adverse effects notify your prescriber or pharmacist of any
symptoms that concern you that have started since you began taking this
medication, or if you have changed the dose, or added or changed other
medication. Interactions with Other Medications: Do not take a monoamine oxidase
inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate) or
selegiline (Eldepril) concurrently or within 5 weeks of the last dose of
fluoxetine as this can cause severe reactions such as hallucinations, mania,
fever and muscle stiffness (serotonin syndrome). A minimum of 2 weeks
should elapse after taking an MAOI before starting fluoxetine. Not to be
taken with alcohol. Products or foods containing large amounts of
tryptophan are not recommended and may cause severe headache, nausea, sweating
and dizziness. Patients currently taking carbamazepine (Tegretol),
lithium, warfarin (Coumadin), phenytoin (Dilantin) and cimetidine (Tagamet) may
need to have the dosages of these drugs adjusted by their physician after Prozac
is added to the regimen. Over-the-counter drugs such as decongestants and
antihistamines may increase the severity of certain side effects.
Dextromethorphan ("DM"), which is found in many over-the-counter cough and cold
preparations, may also cause serotonin syndrome, which has the potential to
become life-threatening. Pain relievers such as tramadol (Ultram),
meperidine (Demerol) or codeine may have the same reaction when mixed with
Prozac. Patients using Prozac with other antidepressants or other
antipsychotic drugs must do so only under the guidance of their physician, to
prevent certain side effects of either drug from becoming critical. The
same is true when switching from Prozac to another antidepressant. There
have been reports that patients taking buspirone (BuSpar), especially for OCD,
have had a worsening of their condition when Prozac was added. This is not
a complete list of all known or potential drug interactions. To help
prevent avoidable problems, always make sure your pharmacist and all prescribers
know all of the medications you are taking. This includes over-the-counter
drugs and any dietary or herbal supplements or medications. CommonDosages: Starting dose is usually 10 mg to 20 mg per day (20 mg
recommended for OCD), and, if needed, increasing the dose slowly to full effect.
As with all antidepressants, it may take several weeks before the full effect is
apparent. Maximum dose is 80 mg per day. This medication is usually taken
in the morning, as it can interfere with sleep at night. Patients who may
be taking their doses twice a day should take the first dose in the morning and
the second dose at noontime. Patients who are elderly or who may have
kidney or liver problems may require a lower dose or less frequent dose.
Notify your prescriber or pharmacist if you change your dose or discontinue this
medication for any reason. Identification: Two strengths of capsules are available: 10 mg: All green with
"Prozac" and "10" imprint
20 mg: Green and off-white with "Prozac" and "20" imprint
Liquid: 20mg/5mls (1 teaspoonful) mint-flavored oral solution Storage: Store this medication at normal room temperature (59° F to 86°
F) in a tightly closed, child-, light- and moisture-resistant container. If you
have difficulty opening child-resistant containers, your pharmacist can provide
a container that is easier to open. Keep the medication out of direct
sunlight and avoid storing it in a warm or humid area - such as the bathroom or
kitchen - to prevent deterioration. To prevent accidental poisoning, keep
all medications out of the reach of children. Do not take an expired
medication. Do not transfer medication from one container to another.
Carefully discard discontinued medication where children cannot find it. Edited by Stephen R.
Saklad, Pharm.D. ASERVICE OF…. Psychopharmacology Update
Note: These guidelines are for general information only.For more specific information, consult your physician orpharmacist. |
