Prozac (Generic)

Generic Prozac is primarily used to treat depression, bulimia (common eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and extreme symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-PMDD). This medication works to restore the balance of specific natural chemicals in the brain.

This medication is administered orally, usually once a day in the morning with/without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your specific medical condition and response to therapy sessions. Certain medical conditions may require different dosing schedules (e.g., 2x daily in the morning and at noontime) as determined by your doctor. Take this medication only as prescribed to you. It's important to continue taking this medication even if you think you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without first consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before experiencing the full benefits of this drug.

Side effects can include: nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, headache, trouble sleeping, sweating, or upset stomach could possibly occur. If any of these side effects continue or worsen, notify your doctor immediately: loss of appetite, unpredictable mental/mood fluctuations, drastic weight loss, uncontrolled movements (tremors), flu-like symptoms (e.g. fever, chills, muscle aches, and weakness), and a decreased interest in sex.

Inform your doctor immediately if any of these rare side effects occur: vision changes, trouble swallowing, swelling or white spots in the mouth and/or tongue, painful and/or prolonged erection or changes in sexual ability. Seek medical attention if any of the following serious side effects occur: irregular/fast heartbeat or fainting.

An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but also seek immediate medical attention if this occurs. Allergic reaction symptoms could include: rash, swelling, itching, dizziness, or trouble breathing. If you experience side effects that are not listed above, contact your doctor.

Advise your doctor on your entire medical history, especially if you have high blood pressure, an over-active thyroid, diabetes, glaucoma or emotional issues. Speak with your doctor if you are pregnant or before breast-feeding. Drinking alcohol can increase dizziness, so it's best you limit your alcohol use. This drug is not recommended to be administered to children. Consult your doctor for further information.

If an overdose is suspected, contact the local poison control center or emergency room as soon as possible. Symptoms of an overdose may include seizures, nausea, vomiting, restlessness, fainting or fast or irregular heartbeat.

Specific other medications taken at the same time as this product could result in serious, possibly fatal drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., isocarboxazid , furazolidone, linezolid, phenelzine, moclobemide, procarbazine, tranylcypromine and selegiline.) within 2 weeks of taking Generic Prozac, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks of taking Generic Prozac, both before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor for additional information.

This drug is not recommended to use at the same time as: weight loss medications (e.g., phentermine, sibutramine), thioridazine, astemizole or terfenadine. Advise your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medications you use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., sertraline, citalopram), nefazodone, venlafaxine, trazodone, "triptan" migraine medications, (e.g., zolmitriptan, sumatriptan), tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., nortriptyline, amitriptyline), tramadol, propafenone, flecainide, haloperidol, lithium, clozapine, tryptophan, anti-seizure medications (e.g. phenytoin/hydantoins, carbamazepine), blood thinners (e.g. warfarin), natural/herbal remedies (e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca).

Advise your doctor if you take any medications that cause sleepiness such as: sleep medication, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam), tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine) and narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine). Check labels on all your medicines (e.g., even cough & cold products) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Ask your pharmacist about the proper & safe use of these medications.

Mention other drugs you take which affect heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, sotalol, pimozide, quinidine, sparfloxacin, procainamide, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Fluoxetine may affect the total amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you take a diabetes medication (e.g., glipizide, metformin, glyburide), your dose of these medications may need to be adjusted when you start taking Fluoxetine or all together stopped. Consult with your doctor. Do not start or stop taking any medication without doctor approval.

If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. If its 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.

Store the medication at room temperature between 59°F and 86°F (15°C and 30°C) away from any bright light or moisture. Keep this medication and any other medications you have out of reach of children.