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
FLUOXETINE 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).
Fluoxetine
works by helping to restore the balance of certain
natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES FOR FLUOXETINE:
Fluoxetine has also
been used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and
alcoholism.
HOW TO USE FLUOXETINE: Take
Fluoxetine 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
Fluoxetine exactly
as prescribed. It is important to continue taking this
medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop
taking
Fluoxetine
without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4
weeks before the full benefit of
Fluoxetine takes
effect.
FLUOXETINE 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.
FLUOXETINE PRECAUTIONS: Tell your doctor your
medical history, especially of: liver problems, kidney
disease, seizures, heart problems, diabetes, any
allergies.
Fluoxetine
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
Fluoxetine
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.
Fluoxetine
should be used only when clearly needed during
pregnancy. Discuss the risks and benefits with your
doctor.
Fluoxetine
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.
FLUOXETINE DRUG INTERACTIONS: Certain medications
taken with
Fluoxetine
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.
FLUOXETINE 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.
FLUOXETINE NOTES: Do not share this medication
with others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be
performed to monitor your progress.
FLUOXETINE MISSED DOSE: If you miss a dose of
Fluoxetine,
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.
FLUOXETINE STORAGE: Store at room temperature
between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away
from light and moisture. |
