Prozac

Common Name: fluoxetine HCl

How does Prozac work?

Fluoxetine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression and helps to elevate mood. Selective serotoin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter called serotonin that is available in certain parts of the brain. Although you may start feeling better within a few weeks of treatment, the full effects of the medication may not be evident until several weeks of treatment have passed. Fluoxetine is also used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as to treat the eating disorder, bulimia nervosa. Your doctor may choose to use a medication for conditions other than the ones listed in these drug information articles. If you're unsure why you are taking this medication, contact your doctor.

How should I use Prozac?

The recommended adult dose of fluoxetine ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg taken once daily in the morning, with or without food. The maximum recommended dose of fluoxetine is 80 mg daily. Once your symptoms have been brought under control, the lowest effective dose of fluoxetine as prescribed by your doctor should be used to keep the symptoms from coming back. Your doctor may advise you to keep taking fluoxetine for several months. Many things can affect the dose of medication that a person needs, such as body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor. It is very important to take this medication exactly as prescribed by your doctor. If you forget a dose of the medication, skip the missed dose and carry on with your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

What form(s) does Prozac come in?

Prozac® is available as capsules or as a liquid. Capsules: 10 mg: Each green-and-grey capsule, printed with "Lilly 3104" and "Prozac 10 mg", contains fluoxetine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: silicone and starch; capsule shell: benzyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose, edetate calcium disodium, FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, iron oxide black, iron oxide yellow, methylparaben, sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium propionate, and titanium dioxide. 20 mg: Each green-and-white capsule, printed with "Lilly 3105" and "Prozac 20 mg", contains fluoxetine 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: silicone and starch; capsule shell: benzyl alcohol, carboxymethylcellulose, edetate calcium disodium, FD&C Blue No. 1, gelatin, iron oxide yellow, methylparaben, sodium, sodium lauryl sulfate, sodium propionate, and titanium dioxide. Liquid: Each 5 mL clear, colourless, syrup solution, with an odour of mint, contains fluoxetine 20 mg/5 mL. Nonmedicinal ingredients: benzoic acid, glycerin, mint flavor, purified water, and sucrose.

What should I NOT take with Prozac?

Fluoxetine should not be taken by anyone who: is allergic to fluoxetine or any of the ingredients of the medication has taken a medication known as a MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days

Are there any other precautions or warnings for Prozac?

Allergy: Approximately 4% of people who take fluoxetine develop a rash or hives. Almost one-third of these people need to stop treatment because of the rash. Diabetes: For people with diabetes, fluoxetine may alter blood glucose control. Low blood glucose has occurred during therapy with fluoxetine and high blood glucose has developed after treatment stops. As is true for many other types of medication when taken by people with diabetes, dosages of insulin or anti-diabetic tablets may need adjustment when therapy with fluoxetine starts or stops. Epilepsy: Fluoxetine should be used with caution by people with epilepsy. Occupational hazards: People taking fluoxetine are cautioned against driving a car or performing hazardous tasks until they determine that this medication does not affect them adversely. Pregnancy: The safe use of fluoxetine during pregnancy has not been established. It should not be used by pregnant women unless the potential benefits outweigh the risks. Breast-feeding: Fluoxetine passes into breast milk. It should not be used by nursing women unless, in the opinion of their doctor, both the medication and breast-feeding are necessary. Children: The safety and effectiveness of this medication for children and adolescents younger than 18 years of age have not been established.