IMPORTANT
NOTE: The following information is intended to supplement,
not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician,
pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be
construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate,
or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before
using this drug.
FLUOXETINE - ORAL (flew-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem
USES: Fluoxetine is used to treat depression,
bulimia (an eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD),
and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric
disorder-PMDD). Prozac works by helping to restore the balance
of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: Prozac has also been used to treat
panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.
HOW TO USE:
Take Prozac by mouth usually once daily in the morning,
with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage
is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Some
medical conditions may require a different dosing schedule (e.g.,
twice daily in the morning and at noon) as determined by your
doctor. Take Prozac exactly as prescribed. It is important to
continue taking Prozac even if you feel well. Also, do not stop
taking Prozac without consulting your doctor. It may take up to
4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS:
Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating,
or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or
worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight loss,
unusual or severe mental/mood changes, uncontrolled movements
(tremor), decreased interest in sex, flu-like symptoms (e.g.,
chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness).
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, trouble
swallowing, swelling or white spots on the mouth and/or tongue,
changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting,
irregular/fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is
unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms
of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness,
trouble breathing.
If you notice other effects not listed above,
contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems,
diabetes, any allergies.
This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use
caution engaging in activities requiring alertness such as driving
or using machinery. Limit alcoholic beverages.
Caution is advised when using this product
in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects
of the drug.
Prozac should be used only when clearly needed
during pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor.
This drug passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk
to the infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Certain medications taken with this product could result
in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors
(e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks, and
avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before or after treatment
with Prozac. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional
information. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight
loss medicine (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine,
terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants
(e.g., citalopram, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine,
"triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan),
tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline),
flecainide, propafenone, haloperidol, clozapine, lithium, tryptophan,
"blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-seizure drugs
(e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural products
(e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take
any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers,
anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers
(e.g., codeine), muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g.,
phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), certain antihistamines
(e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines
(e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing
ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products.
Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation),
such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide,
sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide
or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details. Fluoxetine may affect the amount of glucose (sugar) in
your blood. If you take any anti-diabetes medication (e.g., glipizide,
glyburide, metformin), your dosage of these drugs may need to
be adjusted when fluoxetine is started or discontinued. Consult
your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor
or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center
or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include:
irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
NOTES:
Do not share Prozac with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests
may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near
the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your
usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and
30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.