Prozac Side Effects

Commonly, prozac is known as an antidepressant drug given to people suffering from too much depression or any other psychiatric disorder associated with depressive mood. As any medication there are also Prozac side effects or fluoxetine side effects. Prozac or fluoxetine hcl is an active selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that is basically administered perorem. In some countries, it is distributed in the market for relief od pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder.

Prozac indication:

Prozac or fluoxetine is given to patients with the following disorders:

  • Major Depressive Disorder

As a maintenance, prozac is indicated for temporary treatment of major depressive disorder in many adult and younger adults.

  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Several studies conducted also proved great use of prozac to obsessive compulsive disorder.

  • Bulimia Nervosa

Binged eating and vomiting behaviors is a common disorder in today’s younger society. Prozac or fluoxetine is also a common medical remedy to it.

  • Panic Disorder

Prozac dosage and administration:

Fluoxetine hydrochloride is a white to off-white crystalline solid which dissolve in a 14 mg/mL water. Dosage and administration usually vary from one person to another. Adults are recommended to take in 20 to 80 mg/day and pediatrics, 10 to 20 mg/day. It must be stored in a room temperature 15° to 30°C (59° to 86°F).

Prozac Precaution:

First off, you need to discuss with your physician anything that concerns your health right before taking prozac.  Specifically, inform your physician if you are under the following medication as follows:

  • pimozide (Orap);
  • thioridazine (Mellaril); or
  • any MAO inhibitors as isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), phenelzine (Nardil), rasagiline (Azilect), or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam).

Remember, inability to follow as instructed may lead to any serious condition. Some of these medicines may interact with prozac causing fatal effect to the some the systems. If you are taking any of the said drugs, it’s recommended to wait two weeks after cessation from MAO or a month and a week before finally taking in prozac.

Specifically, if you are suffering from any of these conditions, you may need to seek help and consult from your physician before taking prozac for safety.

  • cirrhosis of the liver;
  • kidney disease;
  • diabetes;
  • seizures or epilepsy;
  • bipolar disorder (manic depression); or
  • medical history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts.

You may have thoughts about suicide while taking an antidepressant, especially if you are younger than 24 years old. Tell your doctor if you have worsening depression or suicidal thoughts during the first several weeks of treatment, or whenever your dose is changed.

If you have history of suicidal attempts during your younger years rightfully inform your doctor before taking prozac.

Pregnant women need not take in prozac. The drug is known to cause fetal problems or life-threatening lung problems to the newborns. So, mommies beware!

Prozac can pass through the semi-permeable linings. So, breastfeeding is essentially prohibited while taking prozac.

Prozax isn’t a drug for everyone. Specifically, younger than 18 years old are not allowed to take in this kind of drug.

Of course, prozac is not an over the counter drugs. It should be given under a prescription, and instructions must be adhered to as instructed by physicians. Do not change dosage daily.

The drug must be swallowed whole to slowly release the medication to the entire body.

Over dosage is a “NO-NO”

Fluoxetine plus any MAO inhibitors is a “NO-NO”

Common Prozac side effects:

Allergic reaction is a common Prozac side effect to the use of Prozac. If such case incur, call medical help. Now, in order to prevent further on set of allergic reactions, you need to learn of the following “must watch”

  • rash or hives
  • difficulty breathing
  • swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

First and most call a physician if any worsening condition occurs:

  • mood or behavior changes
  • anxiety
  • panic attacks
  • trouble sleeping
  • or if you feel impulsive
  • irritable
  • agitated
  • hostile
  • aggressive
  • restless
  • hyperactive (mentally or physically)
  • more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

Call your doctor at once if you have any of these serious Prozac side effects:

  • severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;
  • very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes;
  • nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination; or
  • headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops.

Less serious side effects may include:

  • cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;
  • drowsiness, dizziness, feeling nervous;
  • mild nausea, upset stomach, constipation;
  • increased appetite, weight changes;
  • sleep problems (insomnia);
  • decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm; or
  • dry mouth.

Generally, these are just a few of the specific Prozac side effects. However, even though they are less fatal or worst ones, still consulting physician is still an excellent option. For more information please consult with your doctor or see more details about drugs side effects.