Prozac (Ladose)

fluoxetine hydrocloride

Prozac is used to treat depression, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and bulimia, an eating disorder. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine to treat other conditions as well. This medicine works by restoring the balance of a chemical in the brain (serotonin) by blocking its reuptake into the nerve cells.

Prozac is approved for use in children with depression.

This medicine should be taken about the same time each day (with the exception of the once weeky product). The best time to take this medicine is in the morning with breakfast. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in 1 to 2 weeks.

Prozac is generally well tolerated. Most of the side effects will go away within a few weeks as treatment continues. Call your doctor at once if you have any worsening symptoms. Make sure that you know how the medicine affects you before driving or performing other tasks that require your full attention. Don’t stop taking this medicine until you have consulted with your doctor first. If you plan on becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor to discuss risks and benefits. This drug is excreted in breast milk. It is advised not to breast feed while on this medication.

Some medicines may interact with Prozac. Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking Prozac. Medicines called MAO inhibitors should not be taken while taking fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure which drugs are MAO inhibitors. St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin.

Effective dosage:
It's important to take Prozac as directed by your doctor. Individual doses vary greatly between individuals. The usual dose of Prozac is 20mg to 80mg, once a day.

If you miss a dose, take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses. Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture.

Side effects:
Prozac is generally well tolerated. Most of the side effects will go away within a few weeks as treatment continues. Some may experience nervousness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, nausea, vomiting or loss of appetite. If you experience sexual problems, talk to your doctor. In the early stages of taking Prozac, suicidal thoughts and behavior may be seen in younger people. As Prozac starts to work these risks decrease.