Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Description

Fluoxetine is an SSRI that is used to treat a number of mental illnesses including major depression and obsessive compulsive disorder. This medication is also used to reduce premenstrual symptoms among women.

How It Works

This antidepressant belongs to a group of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. People with mental illnesses usually have unbalanced levels of brain chemicals. Antidepressants work by eliminating this chemical imbalance in the brain. For instance, Fluoxetine works by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain.

This balance of neurotransmitters in the brain reduces the individual’s susceptibility to get affected by mental disorders.

Uses

This drug is useful in treating a number of mental illnesses such as major depression, OCD, bulimia and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This medication can also improve an individual’s sleep, appetite, energy and mood. Fluoxetine can improve your ability to perform your day-to-day tasks normally.

Dosage

This drug is usually taken by mouth, once a day – most often in the morning. However, you might be prescribed to take this medication twice a day. In this case, it is best to take your doses in the morning and afternoon. If you are taking this drug in its liquid form, do not use a household spoon. You need to use a proper measuring device to measure the dose accurately. If you are taking this medication for premenstrual issues, then the drug must be taken two weeks before your period.

Starting the treatment with a low dosage can be helpful in reducing the risk of side effects. Sticking to the dose schedule can also decrease this risk to a great extent. Do not stop taking the medication abruptly. This can result in unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Do not stop the consumption without informing your physician, even if you feel normal.

Side Effects

The following are some adverse health effects of this medication that you need to look out for.

 Blurred vision
 Severe skin reactions
 High fever
 Uneven heartbeats
 Loss of coordination
 Slurred speech
 Nausea
 Overactive reflexes

Although you might not experience all of these symptoms, it is best to keep an eye out for them to be safe. If you do experience any of these effects, contact your physician for assistance.

Precautions

The following safety instructions must be strictly followed in order to reduce the risk of the drug’s side effects.

 Do not consume alcohol. This can increase the risk of the drug’s side effects.

 This medication can temporarily impair your thinking and reaction. Thus, do not drive or operate machinery after taking your dose.

 Do not chew, crush or bite the capsule. If the drug is consumed in this manner, you are more likely to experience the adverse health effects of this medication.

 Do not give this medication to anyone under the age of 18.

Self-Care

You must not take Fluoxetine during the period of pregnancy. Doing so can affect the health of the baby. If you become unexpectedly pregnant during the treatment period, inform your healthcare provider immediately.

This medication can be passed on to a child through breastfeeding. Thus, it is best to abstain from this medication when breastfeeding a child.