Since its approval by the FDA years ago, Prozac has helped in the treatment of millions of patients of depression through its antidepressant effect. Its active ingredient fluoxetine belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) groups of drugs, which work on the chemical serotonin within the brain. When this serotonin is released from the nerve cells in proper amounts, it keeps the mood lightened. But once absorbed, its positive effects on the mood disappear. The SSRI fluoxetine helps keep the levels of serotonin in the brain on the higher side by stopping it from getting reabsorbed into the nerve cells.
The standard available dosages of fluoxetine include 10mg, 20mg and 60mg pills. The decision on your dosage strength should be taken by your doctor; you should never change your dosage without proper consultation with your doctor.
Prozac is an antidepressant and so it might cause you to have suicidal thoughts when you start treatment with this medication. It is highly important that you remain in constant contact with your doctor during the initial period of treatment, and follow his guidelines at all times. You should not use Prozac at the same time drugs containing pimozide or MAO inhibitors. There should be a gap of at least two weeks between the last dosages with these drugs and the first dose of Prozac; otherwise the reaction could be fatal.
You should also have your doctor ascertain that you do not suffer from cirrhosis of the liver, kidney problems or diabetes, as Prozac might prove dangerous for you in such a condition. Prozac can be addictive and so you should not use it if you have had a history of drug abuse.
Most Prozac side effects have been documented and are well known; these include headache, dry mouth, sleeping disorders, excessive sweating and fatigue, disruption of the digestive tract, dizziness, sexual issues, weight loss and anxiety. Most of these symptoms are not so dangerous and are far outweighed by the drug’s beneficial effects. The medication should only be taken by adults and children above the age of eight years in fixed doses and under medical supervision.
An overdose can lead to certain strong Prozac side effects including seizures, ecchymoses, muscle and joint stiffness and pain, and extreme allergic reactions. If any patient suffers an allergic reaction to a Prozac dosage, he or she should consult the doctor for alternatives. While the medicine is safe for use during pregnancy, its use should be limited to the first trimester. Being an antidepressant, patients on Prozac should strictly avoid alcohol, as this could affect the working of the medication and lead to severe Prozac side effects.
