| Why
is Generic Prozac prescribed?
Prozac (Prozac), an antidepressant (mood elevator), is used to treat
depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and some eating disorders.
Prozac (Sarafem) is used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Fluoxetine
is sometimes prescribed for other uses; ask your doctor or pharmacist
for more information.
How
should Generic Prozac be used?
Prozac comes as a capsule, tablet, and liquid to take by
mouth. It is usually taken once or twice a day and may be taken
with or without food. Follow the directions on your prescription
label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any
part you do not understand. Take Prozac exactly as directed. Do
not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed
by your doctor.
Fluoxetine
oral liquid comes with a specially marked dropper for measuring
the dose. Ask your pharmacist to show you how to use the dropper.
Dilute the liquid in 4 ounces (120 ml) of water, apple juice, or
Gatorade just before taking it.
Continue
to take Fluoxetine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking Prozac
without talking to your doctor, especially if you have taken large
doses for a long time. Your doctor probably will want to decrease
your dose gradually. This drug must be taken regularly for a few
weeks before its full effect is felt.
Generic
Prozac : Full Prescribing Information
What
special precautions should I follow?
Before
taking prozac,
--
tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Prozac or
any other drugs.
-- tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription
drugs you are taking or have taken within the last 2 weeks, especially
anticoagulants [warfarin (Coumadin)]; antidepressants; antihistamines;
antipsychotics such as haloperidol (Haldol) or clozapine (Clozaril);
buspirone (BuSpar); carbamazepine (Tegretol); cyclosporine (Neoral,
Sandimmune); levodopa (Larodopa, Sinemet); lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid);
MAO inhibitors [phenelzine (Nardil); medication for anxiety, diabetes,
high blood pressure, seizures, Parkinson's disease, asthma, colds,
or allergies; muscle relaxants; phenytoin (Dilantin); phentermine;
pimozide (Orap); sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex);
thioridazine (Mellaril); thyroid medications; tranylcypromine (Parnate)];
tranquilizers; tryptophan; and vitamins. You should not take phenelzine
(Nardil), tranylcypromine (Parnate), or thioridazine until at least
5 weeks after you stop taking Prozac.
-- tell your doctor if you have or have ever had glaucoma, an enlarged
prostate, difficulty urinating, seizures, diabetes, an overactive
thyroid gland, or liver or heart disease.
-- tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant,
or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking Fluoxetine,
call your doctor immediately.
-- if you are having surgery, including dental surgery, tell the
doctor or dentist that you are taking Prozac.
you should know that this drug may make you drowsy. Do not drive
a car or operate machinery until you know how this drug affects
you.
-- remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by Fluoxetine.
-- tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking
may decrease the effectiveness of Fluoxetine.
What should I do if I forget a dose?
If you take several doses per day, take the missed dose as soon
as you remember it and take any remaining doses for that day at
evenly spaced intervals. However, if it is almost time for the next
dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule.
If
you take Prozac once a day at bedtime and do not remember to take
it until the next morning, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
What
side effects can Generic Prozac cause?
Side effects from prozac are common:
-
upset stomach
- drowsiness
- weakness or tiredness
- excitement or anxiety
- insomnia
- nightmares
- dry mouth
- skin more sensitive to sunlight than usual
- changes in appetite or weight
Tell
your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
-
constipation
- difficulty urinating
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- changes in sex drive or ability
- excessive sweating
If
you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:
-
jaw, neck, and back muscle spasms
- slow or difficult speech
- shuffling walk
- persistent, fine tremor or inability to sit still
- fever, chills, sore throat, or flu-like symptoms
- difficulty breathing or swallowing
- severe skin rash or hives
- yellowing of the skin or eyes
- irregular heartbeat
What storage conditions are needed for Generic
Prozac?
Keep Fluoxetine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and
out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away
from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away
any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your
pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.
What other information should I know?
Keep all appointments with your doctor and the laboratory. Your
doctor will order certain lab tests to check your response to Fluoxetine.
Do
not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any
questions you have about refilling your prescription
Generic
Prozac : Full Prescribing Information |
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