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Prozac / FluoxetineProper use of this medication: * This medication is not addictive, and does not cause a high feeling. * Take this medication exactly as directed. Do not take more of it and do not take it more often than prescribed. Do not miss any doses. * If you do miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. * When taken regularly, this medication may require 2-4 weeks before the full effects are noticed. * Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication. * If there is a possibility you may become pregnant or breast-feed while on this medication, first consult with your psychiatrist. * This medication should not be discontinued without first consulting with your psychiatrist. * Store this medication in a cool, safe place away from the reach of children. This medication is usually very well tolerated. However possible side effects include: * Decreased sleep: Take this medication early in the day. This usually goes away with continued use. * Anxiety/restlessness: This will usually go away with continued use. * Nausea: Take this medication with food. This usually goes away with continued use. * Weight loss, loss of appetite: Discuss this with your physician if this becomes problematic. * Constipation or diarrhea: High-fiber diet and regular exercise may treat this uncommon side effect. * Headache: Will usually go away with continued use. Usually responds to over-the-counter analgesics, such as aspirin, acetaminophen, and ibuprofen. Discuss with your physician if persistent. * Tremor: This tends to go away with continued use. * Sexual difficulties: Decreased sexual desire and difficulty achieving orgasm may occur. Discuss this with your physician for treatment options. * Menstrual Changes: Unusual side effect. Menstrual cycle may shorten or lengthen. * Bruising/bleeding: Use of fluoxetine can slightly increase risk of bruising and bleeding, but this can be significant when aspirin or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (e.g naproxen, ibuprofen, ketoprofen, flurbiprofen, diclofenac, sulfasalazine, sulindac, oxaprozin, salsalate, piroxicam, indomethacin, etodolac) are also taken. * If any side effect persists or becomes intolerable, discuss this with your physician. The following other medications may require dosage adjustment while taking Prozac: * Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (Isocarboxazid, Marplan, Tranylcypromine/Parnate, Phenelzine/Nardil) * Other Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Paroxetine/Paxil, Sertraline/Zoloft, Fluvoxamine/Luvox, Venlafaxine/Effexor) * Ondansetron/Zofran, Warfarin/Coumadin, (water pills) * Cyclic Antidepressants (Amitriptyline/Elavil, Nortriptyline/Pamelor, Protriptyline/Vivactil, Clomipramine/Anafranil, Imipramine/Tofranil, Desipramine/Norpramin, Trimipramine/Surmontil, Amoxapine/Asendin, Doxepin/Adapin/Sinequan, Maprotiline/Ludiomil, Trazodone) * Carbamazepine/Tegretol, Valproic Acid/Depakene, Phenytoin/Dilantin * Tramadol (Ultram) * Diazepam/Valium, Alprazolam/Xanax, Haloperidol/Haldol, Risperidone/Risperdol, Olanzapine/Zyprexa, Thioridazine/Mellaril * Beta-blockers (alprenolol, bufarol, metoprolol, propanolol, timolol) * Cisapride/Propulsid, Terfenadine/Seldane, Hismanal/Astemizole, Cimetadine/Tagamet, Dextromethorphan (found in many cold and cough preparations), Codiene, Tramadol/Ultram * Ritonavir/Norvir * Ginkgo biloba may interfere with effectiveness. |
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