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: 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 FLUOXETINE: 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 FLUOXETINE: 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 FLUOXETINE: 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 FLUOXETINE: 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 FLUOXETINE: 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 FLUOXETINE: Do not share this medication with
others. Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to
monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE FLUOXETINE: 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 FLUOXETINE: Store at room temperature between
59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light
and moisture. |
