What is Fluoxetine/Prozac 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). Sarafem (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/Prozac be stored?
This medication should be stored at room temperature. Keep the medication away from heat and moisture.
General information
When should Fluoxetine/Prozac not be taken?
Do not use Sarafem (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 Sarafem (Fluoxetine), serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur. Wait at least 14 days after stopping an MAO inhibitor before you take Sarafem (Fluoxetine) or wait 5 weeks after stopping Sarafem (Fluoxetine) before you take a MAOI or Mellaril (thioridazine).
What precautions should I follow when taking Fluoxetine/Prozac?
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/Prozac?
Patients taking Sarafem (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/Prozac?
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, conf
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; and sle
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 physica