What is Prozac?

Prozac is a prescribed antidepressant drug. Severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder are the most common conditions treated by the medication. The tablet comes in the form of tablets and capsules.

What are the Uses of Prozac?

Prozac is an antidepressant drug that is often used to treat panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It can help to reduce fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and panic attacks. It may also lessen the desire to perform repetitive tasks (compulsions like hand-washing, counting, and checking) that obstruct everyday life. Prozac can help with premenstrual symptoms including irritability, hunger, and depression. In bulimia, it may help to minimize bingeing and purging.

What are the Side Effects of Prozac?

The most common side effects of Prozac are:

Some of the serious side effects of Prozac are:

Prozac can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects, talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.

What are the Precautions of Prozac?

Before taking Prozac talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before taking Prozac talk with your doctor if you have any medical history such as Manic depressive disorder, Liver problems, diabetes, low sodium in the blood, seizures, stomach disease, intestinal ulcers and glaucoma.

How to use Prozac?

Prozac is available in the form of a pill, a tablet, a delayed-release capsule (which releases the drug in the intestine), and a solution (liquid) for oral administration. It is a medication that can be taken with or without food. The medication is available as a tablet to be swallowed. The tablet is usually taken once a day, on the same day per month or on particular days during the month.

The standard adult dosage for depression is 20 milligrams (mg) taken once a day in the morning orally. If symptoms do not improve after a few weeks, the dosage may be increased. The normal maintenance dose ranges from 20 to 60 mg, with a maximum dose of 80 mg.

What if one Misses a Dose of Prozac?

Take the next dose at the same time the next day. To make up for a missed dose, never take two doses at the same time. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body.

What to do if one takes an Overdose?

Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Prozac tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.

Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions:

Pregnancy

During pregnancy, women can take Prozac if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the fetus. Antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of neonatal maladaptation syndrome in research. Symptoms include jitteriness, eating and breathing difficulties, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

Breastfeeding

It is not recommended to breastfeed since Prozac will pass into the milk. There is a risk that a person may be allergic to the ingredients, just as with any other medication. If the patient develops a rash, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing, they should seek medical attention immediately because an allergic reaction can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.

Storage

Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.

Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).

Prozac vs Xanax:

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