What is Prozac?

Generic Prozac is used to treat depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), both in adults and in children. The medication is prescribed to treat bulimia nervosa and panic disorder in adults. Physicians could recommend it for other disorders too.

How does Prozac work?

Generic Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It works by restoring the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain. This helps improve certain mood disorders.

How to Take Prozac?

• Consume generic Prozac as prescribed by your doctor. Check medicine label fore precise dosage instructions. Generic Prozac is made available with an extra patient information sheet called a Medication Guide. You need to refer to it every time you get a refill.
• Take Prozac by orally with or without food.
• Take your medication at the same time each day so that you remember to take it.
• Continue to take Prozac even if you feel well. Do not miss any doses.
• Refrain from abruptly stopping generic Prozac consumption without speaking to your doctor. It could have effects such as mental or mood changes, numbness or tingling of the skin, dizziness, confusion, headache, trouble sleeping, or unusual tiredness.
• You will be closely monitored when you start Prozac and whenever a change in dose is made.
• If you miss a dose of generic Prozac, have it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for your next dose, miss the dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule.
• Do not take 2 doses at once.

Side effects of Prozac

Seek medical attention immediately if you experience any of the following.

Common side effects:

• anxiety
• decreased sexual desire or ability
• diarrhea
• dizziness
• drowsiness
• dry mouth
• increased sweating
• loss of appetite; nausea
• nervousness
• stomach upset
• trouble sleeping
• weakness

Severe side effects:

• severe allergic reactions (rash; hives; itching; difficulty breathing; tightness in the chest; swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue)
• bizarre behavior
• black or bloody stools
• chest pain
• confusion; exaggerated reflexes; hallucinations, loss of coordination
• excessive sweating
• fast or irregular heartbeat
• fever, chills, or sore throat
• increased urination
• joint or wrist aches or pain
• new or worsening agitation
• panic attacks
• aggressiveness
• impulsiveness
• irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being
• restlessness, or inability to sit still
• persistent or severe ringing in the ears
• persistent, painful erection
• red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin
• seizures
• severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping
• significant weight loss
• stomach pain
• suicidal thoughts or attempts
• tremor
• strange bruising or bleeding
• unusual hoarseness
• odd or severe mental or mood changes
• abnormal swelling
• vision changes
• worsening of depression

What should I discuss with my doctor before taking Prozac?

Tell your doctor or pharmacist if you have any medical conditions:

• Disclose if you're pregnant, planning a pregnancy or are breast-feeding/nursing
• Disclose all prescription or nonprescription medicines, herbal preparation, or dietary supplements you're on
• Mention allergies to medicines, foods, or other substances
• Mention whether you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression)
• Mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse
• Reveal history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, diabetes, or metabolism problems
• Dehydration, low blood sodium levels, drinking of alcohol, all need to be stated
• Undergoing electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)

Some medicines can interact with generic Prozac. Tell your doctor about all medications.

This includes:

• anorexiants
• serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (e.g., sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs because severe side effects such as fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma could occur
• (NSAIDs) (e.g., ibuprofen) increase the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding
• Diuretics (e.g., furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) increase the risk of low blood sodium levels Tramadol because the risk of seizures may be increased
• Cyclobenzaprine or H1 antagonists may cause relentless heart problems, including irregular heartbeat
• HIV protease inhibitors can increase the perils of the drugs side effects
• Cyproheptadine can reduce generic Prozac's effectiveness
• Mention other medication too because consumption of Prozac may increase the side effects of other drugs

Discuss with your doctor before you start, stop, or change the dose of any medicine.

What should I avoid while taking Prozac?

Do not take anything that is allergic.

Do not drive or perform other possibly unsafe tasks.

Check with your doctor before you drink alcohol or use medicines that may cause drowsiness.

Do not take more than the recommended dose, change your dose, or take Prozac for longer than prescribed without checking with your doctor.