FLUOXETINE

Brand & Generic Names

Prozac

Basic Information

• Habit forming? No
• Prescription needed? Yes
• Available as generic? No
• Drug class: Antidepressant

Uses

• Treats mental depression, particularly in people who do not tolerate tricyclic antidepressants.
• Treats obsessive-compulsive disorder.
• Treats bulimia.

Dosage & Usage Information

How to take:
Capsules--Swallow with liquid or food to lessen stomach irritation. If you can't swallow whole, open capsule and take with liquid or food.
Oral solution--Follow instructions on prescription.

When to take:
In the morning at the same time each day.

If you forget a dose:
Take as soon as you remember up to 2 hours late. If more than 2 hours, wait for next scheduled dose (don't double this dose).

What drug does:
Inhibits serotonin uptake in the central nervous system, preventing depression.
Causes loss of appetite.

Time lapse before drug works:
1 to 3 weeks.

Don't take with:
Any medicine that will change your level of consciousness or reflexes.
Any other medicine without consulting your doctor or pharmacist.

Overdose

SYMPTOMS:
Seizures, agitation, violent vomiting.

WHAT TO DO:

• Dial 911 (emergency) or O (operator) for an ambulance or medical help. Then give first aid immediately.
• See EMERGENCY Information.

Possible Adverse Reactions or Side Effects

Life-threatening:

Rash, itchy skin, Seek emergency breathing difficulty treatment immediately. (allergic reaction), chest pain.

Common:

Diarrhea, nervousness, drowsiness, headache, increased sweating, insomnia.

Infrequent:

• Chills, fever, joint or muscle pain, enlarged lymph glands, unusual excitability, blurred vision, chest pain.
• Nightmares, taste changes, vision changes, decreased sex drive, dry mouth, skin flushing, urinating frequently, dysmenorrhea, stuffy nose, tremors.

Rare:

• Convulsions.
• Fast heartbeat, abdominal pain.
• Nausea, vomiting, constipation, cough, increased appetite.

Warnings & Precautions

Don't take if:
You have severe liver or kidney disease.

Before you start, consult your doctor:
If you have history of seizure disorders.

Over age 60:
Adverse reactions and side effects may be more frequent and severe than in younger persons. You may need smaller doses for shorter periods of time.

Pregnancy:
No proven effects. Don't take unless essential. Consult doctor.

Breast-feeding:
Unknown effects. Consult doctor.

Infants & children:
Not recommended.

Prolonged use:
No problems expected.

Skin & sunlight:
No problems expected.

Driving, piloting or hazardous work:
Don't drive or pilot aircraft until you learn how medicine affects you. Don't work around dangerous machinery. Don't climb ladders or work in high places. Danger increases if you drink alcohol or take medicine affecting alertness and reflexes.

Discontinuing:
Don't discontinue without consulting doctor. Dose may require gradual reduction if you have taken drug for a long time. Doses of other drugs may also require adjustment.

Others:
No problems expected.

Possible Interaction with Other Drugs

GENERIC NAME	COMBINED EFFECT
------------------------	-----------------------
Anticoagulants*	May cause confusion, agitation,
	convulsions, high blood pressure.
Central nervous	Increases depressant
system (CNS)	effect of both drugs.
Digitalis	May cause confusion,
preparations*	agitation, convulsions, high blood
	pressure.
MAO inhibitors*	May cause confusion, agitation,
	convulsions, high blood pressure.
Tryptophan	Increased chance of agitation,
	restlessness, stomach upsets.

Possible Interaction with Other Substances

INTERACTS WITH	COMBINED EFFECT
---------------	---------------
Alcohol:	Possible toxicity of both drugs.
Beverages:	Decreases effect of fluoxetine.
Cocaine:	Decreases effect of fluoxetine.
Foods:	None expected.
Marijuana:	Decreases effect of fluoxetine.
Tobacco:	Decreases effect of fluoxetine.