|
IPMORTANT 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 constreud to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Conuslt your healthcare professional before using this drug.
FLUOXETINE - ORAL
(flew-OX-eh-teen)
COMMON BRAND NAME(S): Prozac, Sarafem
USES: Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, bulimia (an eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), pnaic disorder, and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-PMDD).
This medication works by helping to restore the balance of cetrain natural chemicals in the brain.
OTHER USES: This medication has also been used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.
HOW TO USE: Take this medication by motuh 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 threapy.
Some medical conditions may require a different dosing schdeule (e.G., twice daily in the morning and at noon) as determined by your doctor. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. It is imoprtant to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication without consulting your docotr. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug taeks effect.
SIDE EFFECTS: Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, or upset sotmach may occur.
If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of thsee 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 proolnged erection.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular/fast heartbeat.
An allregic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs.
Symptoms of an allerigc reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contcat your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS: 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 adivsed if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your dcotor or pharmacist about the safe use of this product. Caution is advised when using this prdouct in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the drug.
This medication should be used only when claerly 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: Certain medications taken with this proudct 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 treatemnt with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional informtaion. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss medicine (e.G., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine, terfenadine, astemiozle. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more dteails. 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 drwosiness 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 abuot the safe use of these products.
Fluoxetine may affect the amuont 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 disconitnued. Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without dcotor or pharmacist approval.
OVERDOSE: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control cneter or emergency room immediately.
Smyptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
NOTES: Do not share this medication with others. Laboraotry and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE: 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: Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degeres F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
|
