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Drug Uses
Prozac is an antidepressant medication. It is normally administered as treatment for major disorders, such as an eating disorder called bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, obsession-compulsion, extreme depression disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It can have a significant effect on specific chemicals within the brain, and similar to other drugs in its class (recognized as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), it can regulate the levels of such substances.
How to Take Prozac
Prozac tablets are normally taken once a day for the entire course of the treatment. Regular intake should be maintained in order to obtain its full effect. Try to take it simultaneously with any of your daily activities, at the same approximate time each day. Although it can take a month’s regular use before you begin to attain relief from your disorder, its effect should extend for up to nine months following a three-month treatment program. As part of the treatment regimen for obsession-compulsion syndrome, the maximum effect of Prozac may take up to five weeks to obtain.
Drug Precautions
Do not take Prozac without prior medical advice if you are recuperating from cardiac arrest, or if you are suffering from a liver disorder or diabetes. The drug has a drowsing effect which can interfere with your normal activities; take extra precaution if you are involved in activities which require your full attention. If you are taking the drug, you may also feel giddy whenever you stand up from a seated or a lying position; seek medical advice if getting up slowly doesn’t ease the sensation, or if the problem persists.
Drug Interactions
If you are using Prozac, notify your doctor first before you take any fever, arthritis, inflammatory, or pain medications (such as aspirin, ibuprofen, diclofenac, and piroxicam). Taking these in combination with Prozac can cause easy bruising and bleeding. Other medications can also interact with Prozac, including: digitoxin, alprazolam, blood thinners like warfarin, medications for seizures like phenytoin and carbamazepine, tryptophan, clozapine, vinblastine, flecainide, haloperidol, and other antidepressants (escitalopram, sertraline, or imipramine).
Side Effects
Adverse effects are difficult to anticipate. If any symptoms develop or vary in intensity, tell your doctor immediately. This is recommended if you suffer an allergic reaction as a consequence of intake, or if you incur any of these severe adverse effects: seizure episodes; shivering, accompanied by involuntary muscle spasms; a sore, blistered, or peeling rash; difficulties with coordination or balance; a rapid heartbeat, accompanied by agitation, profuse sweating, and confusion.
Missed Dose
Fulfill a missed dose as soon as possible, given that there is plenty of time left for the next intake. Otherwise, leave out the dose and take the next one as instructed.
Overdose
Using Prozac in combination with other medications can cause symptoms similar to an overdose. An excessive intake of Prozac is potentially fatal; if you suspect that you may have incurred an overdose, get immediate medical aid.
Storage
Store and dispense Prozac in tight-capped containers, and keep it in a dry area, within normal room temperatures.
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