Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Brand Names: Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem, Rapiflux, Selfemra
Related Medications: Adderall XR Capsules, Aplenzin, Buspar, Celexa, Desyrel, Effexor, Effexor XR, Forfivo XL, Intuniv, Khedezla, Lexapro, Luvox, Niravam, Nuvigil, Parnate, Paxil-CR, Pexeva, Remeron, Sarafem, Vivactil, Vyvanse, Wellbutrin, Xenazine, Zoloft
Pros and Cons of Taking Prozac
Prozac is familiar to most patients who suffer from such health conditions as panic attacks, depression, bulimia, OCD and others. The main reason is that
it works by improving their sleep, mood, energy levels and appetite while restoring their interest in everyday activities. Besides, its intake eliminates
such annoying symptoms as unwanted thoughts, anxiety, fear and panic attacks. Another great thing is that Prozac decrease their urge to do repeated tasks,
such as counting and hand-washing, which may interfere with their daily living. This medication also lessens different premenstrual symptoms, including
increased appetite and irritability while decreasing purging and binging behaviors in bulimia.
Basic Guidelines on How to Use It
Basically, Prozac should be taken orally, only once a day, usually in the morning. For those patients who take it to solve premenstrual problems, it’s
necessary to use this medication 2 weeks before the period. The right dosage is always based on specific health conditions that must be treated and
individual response to this treatment. It takes a few weeks to notice the first positive effects of taking Prozac.
Some Negative Effects
This medication is associated with a number of side effects, including:
These symptoms are mild and pass away fast, but some patients may develop very rare and serious adverse effects, such as the following:
For patients with diabetes, it’s necessary to monitor blood sugar levels on a regular basis because Prozac may affect them. Besides, it also affects
serotonin levels, so that it may lead to serotonin toxicity, but it happens very rarely.
Precautions when Taking This Medicine
Before using Prozac, all patients need to inform their doctors about possible allergies, suicide attempts, manic or bipolar disorders, diabetes, liver
issues, low sodium blood levels, seizures, dehydration, stomach ulcers and glaucoma. They also should remember that its intake may make them drowsy and
dizzy, so that all kinds of activities that require their full attention, including driving, must be avoided, just like different alcoholic beverages.
Possible Drug Interactions
The intake of Prozac shouldn’t be combined with certain meds because they result in increased side effects and reduced effectiveness. They include pills
that affect liver enzymes, tricyclic antidepressants, NSAIDs, MAO inhibitors, blood thinners, meds that can cause bleeding or bruising, SSRIs, street
drugs, SNRIs, antihistamines, muscle relaxants and some others.