PROZAC

Prozac is an antidepressant that belongs to the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs. The drug is often prescribed by doctors to treat patients suffering from premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, the eating disorder called bulimia nervosa and major depressive disorder.

How It Works

Prozac helps individuals suffering from depression by affecting the chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced and cause anxiety, panic, depression or symptoms associated with obsessive-compulsive disorder. Prozac causes axons in the brain to release additional serotonin that is delivered to the nerve cells.

Benefits Of Prozac

• Used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Used to treat panic disorder
• Used to treat bulimia nervosa
• Used to treat depression
• Used to treat PMDD

Taking Prozac

Never take Prozac if you are also taking thioridazine (Mellaril), a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) such as phenelzine (Nardil), selegiline (Emsam, Eldepryl), isocarboxazid (Marplan), tranylcypromine (Parnate), rasagiline (Azilect), pimozide (Orap). You should also schedule regular doctor’s appointments while taking Prozac as many patients, particular those younger than 24, may experience thoughts of suicide when they begin taking an antidepressant.

Most adults will be prescribed a 20 mg to 60 mg dose of Prozac to be taken once every morning. You can take the medication with or without food. The maximum recommended dosage is 80 mg daily. You may need to take Prozac for several months, depending on your particular situation.

Possible Side Effects

Taking Prozac can cause any of the following side effects: drowsiness, nausea, trouble sleeping, increased sweating, lightheadedness or dizziness, decreased sexual drive, anxiety, decreased appetite, heartburn, headaches, trembling, weakness, dry mouth or tiredness. If you experience a fever, fast or irregular heartbeat, red spots on the skin, skin rash, itching, hives, muscle or joint pain, breast pain or enlargement or the inability to sit still, talk to your doctor.

Make sure to stop taking Prozac and seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following serious side effects: convulsions or seizures, difficulty breathing or unusual facial or body movements. Also seek help if you suffer symptoms of low blood sugar such as drowsiness, shakiness or unsteady walk, excessive hunger, fast heartbeat, cold sweats, chills or confusion or symptoms of low blood sodium such as dryness of mouth, increased thirst, lack of energy, convulsions, confusion or drowsiness.