FLUOXETINE DRUG INFO
IMPORTANT NOTE: The following information is intended
to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of
your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It
should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is
safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare
professional before using this drug.
FLUOXETINE - ORAL (flew-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem
USES: Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, bulimia (an
eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and
severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric
disorder-PMDD). This medication works by helping to restore the
balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This medication has also been used to treat
panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by mouth usually once
daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by
your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and
response to therapy. Some medical conditions may require a
different dosing schedule (e.g., twice daily in the morning and
at noon) as determined by your doctor. Take this medication
exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking this
medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this
medication without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4
weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry
mouth, drowsiness, sweating, or upset stomach may occur. If any
of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side
effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, unusual or
severe mental/mood changes, uncontrolled movements (tremor),
decreased interest in sex, flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills,
fever, muscle aches, weakness). Tell your doctor immediately if
any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision
changes, trouble swallowing, swelling or white spots on the
mouth and/or tongue, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or
prolonged erection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting,
irregular/fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is
unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching,
swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your medical history,
especially of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart
problems, diabetes, any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy
or drowsy; use caution engaging in activities requiring
alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit alcoholic
beverages. Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar
and/or small amounts of alcohol. Caution is advised if you have
diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor
or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Caution is
advised when using this product in the elderly because they may
be more sensitive to the effects of the drug. This medication
should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug
passes into breast milk. Because of the potential risk to the
infant, breast-feeding while using this drug is not recommended.
Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications taken with this
product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions.
Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid,
linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline,
tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine
within 5 weeks, before or after treatment with this medication.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss medicine
(e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine, terfenadine,
astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell
your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication
you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g.,
citalopram, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine,
"triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan,
zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g.,
amitriptyline, nortriptyline), flecainide, propafenone,
haloperidol, clozapine, lithium, tryptophan, "blood
thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-seizure drugs (e.g.,
carbamazepine, phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural products
(e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take
any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep,
tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam), narcotic
pain relievers (e.g., codeine), muscle relaxants, psychiatric
medicine (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), certain
antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all
your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may
contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist
about the safe use of these products. Report other drugs which
affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide,
pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin,
"water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or
hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more
details. Fluoxetine may affect the amount of glucose (sugar) in
your blood. If you take any anti-diabetes medication (e.g.,
glipizide, glyburide, metformin), your dosage of these drugs may
need to be adjusted when fluoxetine is started or discontinued.
Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without
doctor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of
overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe
dizziness or lightheadedness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your
progress.
MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the
missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double
the dose to catch up.
STORAGE: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86
degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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