Depressed? Use Prozac and get relieved from depression

Prozac is a very popular much prescribed anti-depressant especially in the USA. Used by many fighting depression and related illnesses, it is a SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class drug.

Drug Uses

Used for the treatment of clinical depression and related illnesses including bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphonic disorder.

How to Take Drug

Prozac should be taken once or twice daily at regular times, it is best to fit it into your daily routine. Relief of symptoms will not appear for up to 4 weeks (5 weeks for those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder) but continue for approximately 9 months after a 3 month treatment.

Drug Precautions

Do not use this drug if recovering from a heart attack or if you have liver disease or diabetes. It is not recommended for those who have had seizures. Prozac may cause drowsiness and affect judgment, so avoid it while driving, using machinery or doing any hazardous activity requiring you to be fully alert. Getting up slowly should avoid feelings of light-headedness, fainting or dizziness; if not then consult your doctor.

Please see your physician immediately in any of the following cases:

- If you get hives or skin rashes - discontinue treatment immediately.
- Prozac can cause a loss of appetite, report any changes in your weight or appetite.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The effects of Prozac on pregnant women have not been completely studied. This drug does appear in breast milk and breastfeeding is not encouraged during treatment.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking MAO Inhibitors for a period of time before, during or after Prozac treatment. Taking Prozac with other drugs may cause overdose symptoms as below. Always talk to your physician before taking Prozac if you take other drugs.

Side Effects

Common side effects include anxiety, nervousness, flu-like symptoms (headache, dry mouth, sore throat and sinusitis, fever, chills), abnormal dreams or vision, abnormal ejaculation, impotency, diminished sex drive, appetite loss, yawning, sleepiness, sweating, tremors, vomiting, nausea, weakness, rash, itching sensation.

Other side effects include agitation and confusion, palpitations, weight gain, abnormal taste or increase in appetite, sleep disorders, emotional instability, frequent urination , loss of memory, ear pain or ringing sensation in ears, bleeding, increase in blood pressure.

Children and adolescents may exhibit the following symptoms whilst taking this drug : nosebleeds, thirst, excessive menstrual bleeding, hyperactivity, mania, hypomania, changes in personality and feelings.

Other symptoms or effects may appear, unusual changes or symptoms should be immediately reported to your doctor.

Missed Dose

If a dose has been missed only by a few hours or during the same day then the missed dose can be taken and normal routine resumed immediately. If however the dose is completely missed then it should be skipped and normal routine resumed. Two doses should never be taken together at the same time.

Overdose

A Prozac overdose can be fatal, medical assistance should be sought immediately in case of a suspected overdose. Overdose symptoms include vomiting or nausea, sleepiness, fast or irregular heartbeat, fainting, low blood pressure, sweating, delirium, coma, mania, high fever and rigid muscles.

Storage

The ideal way to store Prozac is in a dry place away from children and animals. Temperature 20-25 degrees C / 68-77deg. F