Fluoxetine (Prozac) is an oral drug which is used for treating depression. This drug is a part of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is popularly known as an antidepressant. Fluoxetine (Prozac) affects neurotransmitters that communicate with each other in the brain. Fluoxetine (Prozac) is mainly used for the treatment of depression, bulimia, obsessive?compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
In adults, 20?80 mg of Fluoxetine (Prozac) can be prescribed daily. In case of children, the prescribed amount of the medicine is 10?20 mg daily. After 13 weeks of daily administration, a single weekly dosage can be effective in some patients. On the other hand, Bulimia is treated with 60 mg of Fluoxetine (Prozac) daily. Obsessive?compulsive disorder in adults and children can be treated with 20?60 mg daily. Panic disorder is managed with 10?60 mg of the drug daily.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) has a bad effect on would-be mothers. This medicine should be avoided during the third trimester of pregnancy as it may lead to adverse effects in the newborn.
Fluoxetine also affects breast milk. Thus, this medicine is not recommended for nursing mothers.
As it is an antidepressant,Fluoxetine (Prozac) has various side effects. It can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness as well as loss of appetite. This drug may also cause skin rashes and vasculitis. It can increase blood pressure, and thus the patient's pressure and the intake of the drug should be monitored. Seizures can also take place due to sexual dysfunction. It should also be kept in mind that the dose of fluoxetine should be reduced gradually when the therapy is discontinued.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) may also increase the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior among children and adolescents who are suffering from depression and other psychiatric disorders. A doctor should be consulted immediately when these symptoms occur. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in behavior.
Fluoxetine (Prozac) can increase the effect of warfarin (Coumadin) which may lead to excessive bleeding. Warfarin therapy should be monitored frequently in patients who use this medicine. Combining this drug with aspirin, nonsteroidal anti?inflammatory drugs or other drugs may increase the likelihood of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
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