What is Fluoxetine Used for?
This medication is used to treat bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, major depressive disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Prozac (Fluoxetine) is sometimes also used with another medication called Zyprexa (olanzapine) to treat depression caused by bipolar disorder (manic depression) and depression (if unsuccessful treatments attempts with a minimum of 2 other medications were used). The medication works by affecting chemicals in the brain that becomes unbalanced causing depression, anxiety, panic, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
How should Fluoxetine be stored?
This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture.
General Information
How should I take Fluoxetine?
Read the directions on the prescription label. Do not take larger doses than prescribed by your doctor. Do not take this medication longer than recommended by your doctor. Take this medication as directed by your doctor. Patients taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) may have their dosages changed by the doctor occasionally to achieve the best results from the medication. The pill must be swallowed whole, do not break, chew or open the extended-release capsule because it is made to release the medicine slowly in the body and if the pill is broken, too much of the drug will be released at one time. When taking Prozac (Fluoxetine), it may take up to 4 weeks or longer before your symptoms improve. Talk to your doctor first before stopping the medication because you may experience unpleasant side effects if the medication is suddenly stopped. Patients taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder should take the medication once daily during their period or 14 days before the period begins. It is important to follow the doctor’s instructions.
When should Fluoxetine not be taken?
Do not use Prozac (Fluoxetine) with Eldepryl or Emsam (selegiline), Mellaril (thioridazine), or a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) including Nardil (phenelzine), Marplan (isocarboxazid), Azilect (rasagiline), Parnate (tranycypromine), or Orap (pimozide). If the listed medications are taken with Prozac (Fluoxetine), serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur. Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take Prozac (Fluoxetine) or wait 5 weeks after stopping Prozac (Fluoxetine) before you take a MAOI or Mellaril (thioridazine).
What precautions should I follow when taking Fluoxetine?
Let your doctor know if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, breastfeeding; have cirrhosis of the liver; have kidney disease, diabetes; have seizures or epilepsy; have a bipolar disorder (manic depression) or a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.
What special warning(s) should I be aware of when taking Fluoxetine?
Patients taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) may have suicidal thoughts, especially in patients younger than 24 years old. Inform your doctor if you notice worsening depression or suicidal thoughts when dosage has been changed or in the first several weeks of treatment. It is important that caregivers or family members are alert for mood or symptom changes. Regular visits to the doctor in the first 12 weeks of treatment are needed. Do not miss any doctor appointments.
What are the side effects of Fluoxetine?
Severe: Nausea, vomiting, loss of appetite, diarrhea, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, overactive reflexes; fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors; headache, memory problems, trouble concentrating, confusion, weakness, fainting, hallucinations, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops; severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash.
Common: Drowsiness, dizziness, feeling nervous; increased appetite, weight changes; decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat; mild nausea, upset stomach, constipation; sleep problems (insomnia), or dry mouth.
Other: Contact your doctor immediately if you have new or worsening symptoms including anxiety, panic attacks, mood or behavior changes, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, agitated, aggressive, hostile, irritable, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.
