Prozac (Ladose)
fluoxetine hydrocloride
Prozac is generally used for the treatment of:
- Depression
- Obsessive compulsive disorder
- Eating disorder like bulimia
Prozac is also used for treating other conditions also. Prozac works by balancing serotonin levels in the brain. Prozac is also used for children for treating depression.
Precautions
Prozac should be taken at the same time every day. The best time for the medication is at the time of breakfast. It takes at least 4 weeks for the drug to produce its full efficacy however; you can see improvement in symptoms from first to second week. Prozac is generally well tolerated and most of the side effects of the drug wane in about a week’s time since the administration of the medicine. The medicine should not be started or stopped without consulting the doctor.
In case of breast feeding mothers Prozac is excreted along with the breast milk and is not recommended for breast feeding mothers. If you are planning for pregnancy, consult your doctor before that regarding the implications of Prozac in pregnancy.
Drug Interactions
Certain medicines interact with Prozac and reduce its efficiency. Drugs like thipridizine, MAO inhibitors, should not be consumed along with the medication and especially should not be used within 5 weeks after the administration of Prozac.
Prozac Administration
Prozac should be administered exactly as instructed by the physician; the recommended dosage amount of the drug is 20 mg to 80 mg once in a day.
Missing a Dose
In case if you happen to miss a dose, do not have both the doses together. If the dosage clashes, it is better to avoid the previous dose and continue with the current dose. It is also better to consult your physician in case of any doubts regarding the dosage amount.
Side Effects of Prozac
Some of the side effects of Prozac include,
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea
- Vomiting or loss of appetite
Most of the side effects however wane in a week’s time after the administration of Prozac. It is also recommended that you consult the doctor if you experience sex related problems, behavioral alterations, suicidal thoughts, etc.
