This first section of our medication database entry focuses on basic drug characteristics, uses and benefits, while part two covers side effects, interactions and additional information.
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Prozac Consumer Information
FLUOXETINE
Generic Name: fluoxetine (flew OX e teen)
Brand Names: Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem
What is the most important information I should know about fluoxetine?
- Do not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks before you to start feeling better.
What is fluoxetine?
- Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression or mood disturbances, eating disorders, or obsessive or compulsive symptoms.
- Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorders, panic disorder, and bulimia (binge eating and purging). Fluoxetine is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), symptoms of which occur in the week or two before a woman's menstrual period and commonly include irritability, mood swings, and tension as well as the physical symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness.
- Fluoxetine may also be used for purposes other than those listed in this medication guide.
What should I discuss with my healthcare provider before taking fluoxetine?
- Do not take fluoxetine if you have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as isocarboxazid (Marplan), phenelzine (Nardil), or tranylcypromine (Parnate) during the last 2 weeks. Serious, and sometimes fatal, reactions have occurred when these medicines have been used together. Also, do not take fluoxetine if you are taking thioridazine (Mellaril). Dangerous, even fatal irregular heartbeats may occur if these medicines are taken together. You must wait 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before taking thioridazine (Mellaril).
- Before taking fluoxetine, tell your doctor if you
- have liver disease;
- have kidney disease;
- have diabetes;
- suffer from seizures; or
- suffer from mania or have suicidal thoughts.
- You may not be able to take fluoxetine, or you may need a dosage adjustment or special monitoring during treatment if you have any of the conditions listed above.
- Fluoxetine is in the FDA pregnancy category C. This means that it is not known whether fluoxetine will be harmful to an unborn baby. Do not take fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are pregnant or could become pregnant during treatment.
- Fluoxetine passes into breast milk and may affect a nursing infant. Do not take fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor if you are breast-feeding a baby.
How should I take fluoxetine?
- Take fluoxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. If you do not understand these instructions, ask your pharmacist, nurse, or doctor to explain them to you.
- Take each dose with water.
- To ensure that you get the correct dose, measure the oral solution with a dose-measuring cup or spoon, not with a regular table spoon. If you do not have a dose-measuring device, ask your pharmacist for one.
- Fluoxetine may be taken with or without food.
- Try to take fluoxetine at the same time each day.
- Take Prozac Weekly on the same day each week as directed by your doctor.
- Do not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks before you to start feeling better.
- It is important to take fluoxetine regularly to get the most benefit.
- Your doctor may want to perform tests or schedule appointments to monitor your treatment with fluoxetine.
- Store fluoxetine at room temperature away from moisture and heat.
What happens if I miss a dose?
- Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take a double dose of this medication unless otherwise directed by your doctor.
What happens if I overdose?
- Seek emergency medical attention if an overdose is suspected.
- Symptoms of a fluoxetine overdose include nausea, vomiting, tremor, agitation, seizures, drowsiness, hyperactivity, and enlarged pupils.
What should I avoid while taking fluoxetine?
- Use caution when driving, operating machinery, or performing other hazardous activities. Fluoxetine may cause dizziness or drowsiness. If you experience dizziness or drowsiness, avoid these activities.
- Use alcohol cautiously. Alcohol may increase drowsiness or dizziness while taking fluoxetine.
Please see the end of this document for relevant limitations, full details of our medication information supplier, and revision date or version number.