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What is Prozac?
Prozac is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor which is group of anti depressant. It can be used for the treatment of depression, anxiety, or obsessive compulsive symptoms. It can affect the chemicals in the brain which have become unbalanced. Depressive disorders, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder can be treated with the Prozac. It can also be used with other medication olanzapine for the treatment of depression caused by the bipolar disorder. This combination is suggested by the doctors if there has been no effect of at least two other medications.
Important information about Prozac
Prozac should not be taken with the pimozide, thioridazine or MAOI. There might be thought of suicide when you take any antidepressant especially if you are young. You will need to have regular check up for at least 12 weeks of treatment with Prozac. If you feel any behavioral change, panic attacks, anxiety, irritate, restless, aggressive, more depressed, and hyperactive or thoughts about suicide then you should contact your doctor. There can be some serious life threatening side effects of lungs problems in new babies with the SSRI anti depressants. You can stop taking antidepressant during your pregnancy. You should no stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor if you are pregnant.
Before taking Prozac
If you are using pimozide, thioridazine or any MAO then you should not use Prozac as there can be some serious reaction if you take Prozac with these medicines. There should be at least 14 days to take Prozac after you have stopped an MAO inhibitor. If you have liver disease, kidney problem, diabetes, seizure, or bipolar disorder then you should tell your doctor before taking Prozac. You will not be able to use Prozac with any of these conditions. This medication should not be given to anyone younger than 18 years old without advice of doctor.
How should I take Prozac?
Prozac should be taken as it is prescribed and you should not take larger amounts of this medication than the recommendation of your doctor. There can be some change in the dose by the doctor for the best results from this medication. The pill of the Prozac should be swallowed whole and it will release medicine in the body slowly. You should stop this medication with consulting your doctor.
What happens if I miss a dose?
Take the missed dose when you remember it but you should skip the dose if it is almost time for the next dose. You should not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.
What happens if I overdose?
You should get emergency help in case you have taken overdose of Prozac. There can be symptoms of nausea, vomiting, fever, uneven heartbeat, fainting, sleepiness, seizure or coma if you have taken overdose.
What should I avoid while taking Prozac?
You should avoid taking alcohol as it can create side effects with Prozac. It can impair your thinking. You should also tell your doctor if you are taking any other medicines that make you sleepy or sleeping pills, muscle relaxed or narcotic pain medicine.
Prozac side effects
If you have allergic sign of hives, skin rash, swelling of your face, lips, tongue or throat then you should get medical help. You should call your doctor if you have stiff muscles, sweating, tremors, nausea, loss of appetite, loss of coordination, headache, memory problems, diarrhea or vomiting. There can be some less serious side effects of Prozac as well like sneezing, sore throat, mild nausea, increased appetite, sleep problems, decreased sex drive or dry mouth.
What other drugs will affect Prozac?
You should tell your doctor if you are taking medicine for pain, fever, or swelling. If you are taking medicines of digitoxin, haloperidol, seizure, tryptophan, blood thinner, antidepressant or antioxidants then you should also inform your doctor.
You can get complete information about the Prozac from your pharmacist.