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What is Prozac?

Prozac is one of the brand names of Fluoxetine which is an antidepressant in the group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. It is a potent antidepressant with non-sedating properties. The antidepressant action of Prozac is presumed to be linked to its inhibition of C.N.S (central nervous system) neuronal uptake of serotonin. Prozac has negligible binding to muscarinic, histaminergic and alpha-1 adrenergic receptors in comparison to tricyclic agents. Prozac is used in all types of depression, especially where no sedation is required.

Precautions to be taken while taking Prozac

Special precautions should be taken as it is recommended that there should be a 14 days gap between discontinuation of MAO inhibitor and initiation of Prozac. In case of pregnancy, lactation, possibility of suicide attempt, mania, hypomania or convulsions, epilepsy, renal, hepatic or cardiac disease, weight loss, driving, operating heavy machinery, precautions measures should be taken.
In the pediatric case this drug is not at all recommended. In elderly cases reduced dosage is necessary whereas in pregnancy cases the safety is yet not established. Also the lactating mothers should not have this drug as the drug may pass into the breast milk thereby affecting the nursing infant.
Prozac should not be taken if one is consuming any of the below mentioned drugs:
Pimozide
Thioridazine
MAO inhibitor such as isocarboxazid, tranylcypromine, phenelzine or selegiline.

Prozac Dosage

The dosage of prozac can be summed up like initially it is advised to have 20 mg once a day in the morning followed by a range of 20-80 mg per day after several weeks if there is no therapeutic response.
Though the dosage is summed up above but one should follow and take the medicine exactly as directed by his or her doctor.
Prozac should not be taken in larger amount and neither should it be taken for longer than is prescribed.
Prozac tablets should not be chewed or crushed or open an extended release capsule. Instead the tablets should be swallowed in whole with a glass full of water.
It is recommended to in take the medicine at the same time every day.
The liquid form of this drug should be shaken well before it is measured for a dose. To get the correct dose one should use the measuring spoon or medicine cup and not with a regular spoon.
Prozac tablets or capsules should be stored at room temperature at places, which are free from moist and heat.

Prozac Overdose

If an overdose happens then a patient will experience the following symptoms:
Nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, rapid or uneven heart beats, fainting, seizures, fever or coma.
In case any of the above said symptoms is experience then one should immediately consult with his or her doctor.

Prozac Missed Dose

The missed dose should be taken immediately but if it is almost time for the scheduled next dose then the missed dose should be skipped. In any circumstances extra tablets of Prozac is not at all recommended.
Same will be the procedure if the weekly dose of prozac is missed. The missed weekly prozac tablet should be taken immediately when it is remembered and hence the next scheduled weekly dose should be taken 7 days later. However if it is almost time for the next weekly dose then the missed dose should be skipped.

Side Effects of Prozac Drug

The possible side effects of Prozac are as follows:
Anxiety
Nervousness
Insomnia
Drowsiness
Fatigue or lethargy
Tremor,
Sweating
G I complaints like anorexia, nausea, diarrhea, light headedness.

Prozac Withdrawal Symptoms

Below listed are some of the withdrawal symptoms of Prozac:
Dizziness
Nausea
Vertigo/Light Headedness
Fatigue
Headache
Insomnia
Abdominal Cramps
Chills
Anxiety
Agitation
Increased Dreaming
To avoid the above said symptoms one should stop the medicine in consultation with the physician.