Prozac
fluoxetine hydrocloride
Prozac (Ladose) is an antidepressant in a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Prozac affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms.
Prozac is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), panic disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Prozac may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Prozac is the only antidepressant that is FDA-approved for use in children with depression.
Fluoxetine can be taken with or without food at doses specifically directed by your physician. Try to take fluoxetine at the same time each day. Do not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks before you to start feeling better.
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.
Directions for use:
Individual doses vary greatly between individuals.
The usual dose of Prozac is 20mg to 80mg, once a day.
Side Effects:
Prozac is generally well tolerated. It can cause nausea, fast or irregular heat beat, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dizziness, headache, trouble sleeping. Some of these effects will go away within a few weeks as treatment continues. For most people, side effects aren't serious enough to stop taking Prozac. If you have trouble sleeping, take Prozac in the morning. Take it at bedtime if Prozac makes you drowsy. Prozac may also cause sexual dysfunction including a decrease in sex drive, delayed ejaculation, or impotence. Prozac may interact with several medications. If you develop a rash while taking Prozac, call your doctor right away because this can be a sign of a serious medical condition. Do not take the medication during pregnancy. In the early stages of taking Prozac, suicidal thoughts and behavior may be seen in younger people. Call your doctor! As Prozac starts to work these risks decrease.
