Prozac

Prozac is one of the many antidepressant brands. The generic name for Prozac is Flouxetine. These medicines are often referred to as SSRIs or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These groups of medicines are used as symptomatic treatment specifically for mood changes.

Prozac reduces the occurrences of certain conditions like post-traumatic stress, bulimia or an eating disorder, panic disorder, anxiety and obsessive compulsive disorder. In spite of the emergence of new brands in the market, Prozac remains to be a strong name in antidepressant category.

Before taking this medicine the doctor must first check the condition of the patient. These conditions may affect the performance of Prozac in the body. A doctor must check on conditions like liver disease, heart disease, kidney disease, diabetes, seizures, suicidal tendencies and have undergone recent electroconvulsive therapy. The doctor will also consider allergic reactions to food, drugs, preservatives, dyes and even Prozac components.

There is a list of drugs that you cannot take while under the Prozac medication. Drugs and brands that pose fatal risks when taken with Prozac are MAO inhibitors phenelzine, Nardil, selegiline, Eldepryl, selegiline, Eldepryl, isocarboxazid, Marplan, tranylcopromine, Parnate, thioridazine, Mellaril, terfenedine, Seldane, pimozide, Orap, cisapride, Propusid and astemizole, Hismanal. There might still be other drugs and brands that are not recommended to be taken along with Prozac so make sure to discuss this clearly with your doctor.

Inform the doctor more about your past and present medication. Some drugs though can be taken in combination with Prozac, but some drugs unfortunately can interact differently with Prozac. Drugs that interact with Prozac are warfarin, St. John’s wort, propafenone, Phenytoin, propranolol, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, Ibuprofen, methylergonovine, drugs for mental disorders, drugs for psychotic disturbances, drugs used as treatment for mental depression, drugs for treating diabetes, metoprolol, lithium, linezoid, furazolidone, ergonovine, dofetilide, dextroamphetamine, dextroamethorphan, cyproheptadine, cimetidine, drugs for migraine, methysergide, ergotamine, dihydroergotamine, zolmitriptan, sumatriptan, rizatriptan, naratriptan, frovatriptan, eletriptan, almotriptan, dietary medicines, sibutramine, Phentermine, fenfluramine, dexfenfluramine, Carbamazepine, buspirone, drugs for anxiety, drugs for sleeping disorders, alprazolam, diazepam, amphetamine, aspirin and alcohol.

Tell your doctor about your over the counter drugs, herbal drugs, herbal preparations and nutrition supplements. In addition, the doctor should also check your intake of alcoholic drinks, caffeine containing beverages and use of illegal drugs.

The side effects of Prozac may vary from less common to more common. The less common Prozac side effects are those that need the doctor’s immediate notice. Less common but serious side effects are: vomiting, uncommon weakness or tiredness, rashes on the skin, convulsion, flu-like conditions such as coughing, fever, chilling, pain in the joints, muscle pain, palpitations, heartbeat irregularities, lightheadedness, dizziness, breathing difficulty, panic attack, sleep disorders, irritability, anxiety, hostility, agitation, restlessness, anger, rapid talking, aggressiveness, uncontrollable moves or actions, elation and intense mood changes.

More common side effects of Prozac are headache, flushing, mouth dryness, diarrhea, drowsiness, sleeping difficulty, blurry vision, sweating, shaking, stuffy nose, decreased sexual urge, indigestion and appetite change. These more common side effects may not necessarily need the attention of the doctor as these may pass after a few days of taking Prozac. However, if any of these side effects occur persistently, contact your doctor to see if your body does not respond negatively to the components of Prozac.

There are important things that you should watch while you are under Prozac medication. While it is important to observe correct dosage and proper ways of taking this medicine, it is even more important to give your doctor a regular visit. This will help the doctor trace the progress of your medication.

Do not discontinue intake of Prozac even if you feel your condition has improved or has none at all. Self-treatment of flu-like side effects can be dangerous, ask your doctor about the proper medication. And do not drink alcoholic beverages as it will only worsen some side effects of Prozac.