Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Fluoxetine is used to treat mental depression. Prozac is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Fluoxetine belongs to a group of medicines known as selective Serotonin re uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). These medicines are thought to work by increasing the activity of a chemical called Serotonin in the brain.
Take Fluoxetine only as directed by your doctor, to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of Prozac, do not take it more often, and do not take Fluoxetine for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
If Fluoxetine upsets your stomach, Fluoxetine may be taken with food.
If you are taking Fluoxetine for depression, it may take 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Also, you may need to keep taking Prozac for 6 months or longer to stop the depression from returning. If you are taking Fluoxetine for obsessive-compulsive disorder, it may take 5 weeks or longer before you begin to get better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time.
If you are taking Fluoxetine for bulimia nervosa, you may begin to get better after 1 week. However, it may take 4 weeks or longer before you get better.
Fluoxetine Dosage
The dose of Fluoxetine will be different for different patients and for different medical problems. Follow your doctors orders or the directions on the Prozac label. The following information includes only the average doses of Fluoxetine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so:
The number of capsules or teaspoonfuls of solution that you take depends on the strength of Fluoxetine. Also, the number of Prozac doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are taking fluoxetine.
Fluoxetine dosage for depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder:
Adults - At first, usually 20 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 80 mg a day. Once your depression is under control, your doctor may wish to change you to a weekly dose. In this case, you will usually take a 90 mg capsule as a single dose one day per week.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Fluoxetine dosage for bulimia nervosa:
Adults - Usually 60 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may start with a lower dose and increase it gradually. The dose usually is not more than 80 mg a day.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Fluoxetine dosage for premenstrual dysphoric disorder:
Adults - At first, usually 20 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may have you take 20 mg every day of your menstrual cycle or for only 14 days out of your cycle. Your doctor will determine the use and dose that is right for you. Your doctor may increase the dose if needed. However, the dose usually is not more than 80 mg a day.
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
If you miss a dose of Fluoxetine
If you miss a dose of Prozac, it is not necessary to make up the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and continue with your next scheduled dose. Do not double doses.
Storage - How to store Fluoxetine
- Keep Fluoxetine out of the reach of children.
- Store Prozac away from heat and direct light.
- Keep the oral solution form of Fluoxetine from freezing.
- Do not store Prozac in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other damp places. Heat or moisture may cause Fluoxetine to break down.
- Do not keep outdated Fluoxetine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure that any discarded Prozac is out of the reach of children.
Fluoxetine Side Effects
All medicines may cause side effects, but many people have no, or minor, side effects. Check with your doctor if any of these most COMMON Fluoxetine side effects persist or become bothersome:
Anxiety; decreased sexual desire or ability; diarrhea; dizziness; drowsiness; dry mouth; increased sweating; loss of appetite; nausea; nervousness; stomach upset; trouble sleeping; weakness.
Seek medical attention right away if any of these SEVERE Prozac side effects occur:
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; excessive sweating; fast or irregular heartbeat; fever, chills, or sore throat; hallucinations; increased urination; joint or wrist aches or pain; loss of coordination; 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; unusual bruising or bleeding; unusual hoarseness; unusual or severe mental or mood changes; unusual swelling; vision changes; worsening of depression.
