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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