Prozac Treats Mental Conditions Like Major Depressive Disorder, Bulimia Nervosa And Pre-menstrual Dysphoric Disorder

Prozac General Information

Generic Name: Fluoxetine

Brand Name: Prozac, Sarafem and Rapiflux

Prozac performs the functions of an anti-depressant and is included in the group called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRIs. Prozac targets the chemical imbalance in the brain that leads to depression, anxiety, panic and obsessive-compulsive symptoms.

Prozac Uses

Prozac has been found effective in the treatment of major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa and pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder. The treatment of depression caused by bipolar disorder often requires the application of Prozac and Zyprexa. The same combination is used if at least two other medications have failed to show a positive response in the treatment of depression.

How Take Prozac

The doctor might prefer to change the doses if he thinks that a certain arrangement would give the best results. Users should refrain from breaking, chewing or opening an extended-release capsule. The pill is to be consumed as a whole. The capsule facilitates the slow release of the medicine into the body while breaking a pill would allow too many medicines to be released at one time. A special spoon specifically meant for measuring doses should be used to measure the liquid form of Prozac. The positive effects of the drug can be felt only after the fourth week. The intake of the drug should not be stopped suddenly as it might lead to serious side effects. Prozac needs to be taken once daily during the period or 14 days before the menstrual date in case of the treatment of dysphoric disorder.

Prozac Warnings

Fatal reactions are possible if the drug is taken with drugs like pimozide, thioridazine, MAO inhibitors like phenelgine, Parnate, Marpaln and selegiline. One must allow a period of five weeks before starting a dose of thioridazine. The doctor should be informed if the patient is suffering from a kidney disease, cirrhosis of liver, epilepsy, diabetes and bipolar disorder. This medication should not be recommended top persons with a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

Prozac Missed Dose

One should not take extra medicine if he has missed a dose of Prozac in the scheduled time. If the user misses a dose of Prozac weekly, then he should take it immediately after it comes into his mind. The next dose is to be taken after seven days. But if the time for the next scheduled weekly dose has already approached, then it is better to skip the missed dose and take the next dose as per doctor’s directions.

Prozac Side Effects

A doctor needs to be consulted if the development of new symptoms is observed. Mood or behavioral changes, sleep disorders, anxiety and panic attacks are the common side effects of the drug. Suicidal tendencies tend to rise and a person might develop feelings of agitation, hostility, aggression, restlessness and hyperactivity, mentally as well as physically. A person might develop red skin rash, high fever, sweating, overactive reflexes and loss of appetite. A decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty in orgasm, constipation, weight changes, dizziness and dry mouth are the other symptoms observed as the side effects.

Prozac Storage

The medicine is to be stored in room temperature and it should be kept away from heat and sunlight.

Prozac Overdose

A drug overdose might cause symptoms like vomiting, nausea, sleepiness, fever, fainting, uneven heartbeat, seizures, confusion and coma. In this case, one should seek medical attention immediately.

Prozac More Information

The actual molecule called Fluoxetine is available under the brand names Prozac, Sarafem and Rapiflux. A person younger than 24 years of age might develop thoughts of a suicide during the initial stages. A regular visit to the doctor is necessary during the first twelve weeks of treatment. Life threatening lung problems were found in babies whose mother used the medication during pregnancy. Breast milk can also get contaminated with Prozac, casing harm to a nursing baby.