Prozac (Fluoxetine)

green and off-white capsules

as low as possible (maximum: 80 mg a day)

children/elderly: not recommended

use of tranquilizers, drugs for tension (within 2-8 weeks)

use of other drugs that are addictive

use of insulin

use of alcohol

possible suicide or aggression

liver, kidney or heart disease

Parkinson's disease

seizures

allergies: rash, fever, or bloating

history of convulsions

electroshock treatment

surgery

diabetes

pregnancy or nursing

often:
slowed action of other drugs, leading to too much medication

increased effect of Valium, digitalis, anticoagulants

severe withdrawal symptoms, lengthy withdrawal time

anxiety, agitation, nervousness (14%), irritability

sleeplessness (13%)

hyperactivity, restlessness, shaking

headache (20%), lightheadedness, dizziness

bad dreams

sweating

dry mouth

diarrhea (12%)

drowsiness, fatigue, loss of strength (11%)

disturbance of appetite, weight loss (13%)

nausea (21%)

vomiting

sometimes:
chills, hot flushes, fever

serious rash and other allergies, itching

lack of muscle control, tremor, rigid muscles, twitching epilepsy

muscle pain, back pain, joint pain, arthritis

ear, eye, jaw, neck, pelvic pain

hangover effect

upset stomach, dry mouth

psychotic symptoms (mania, paranoia, hallucinations)

confusion, hostility

forgetfulness

constipation, urinary problems, infection

blurred eyesight

heart problems, low blood pressure

fainting, dizziness

liver problems

bronchitis

bloating

painful menstruation

sexual problems (up to 20%), impotence

breast pain

rarely:
death (with use of other drugs)

death if allergic reactions increase

extreme mental excitement, delirium and coma (passing out)

extreme shock

convulsions

rapid changes in normal body activities

lung, kidney, liver or heart disease

hysteria, violent behaviour

ulcers

abortion

swollen breasts (male and female)

glaucoma

deafness

loss of taste

• It can take 1 to 2 months for this drug to disappear from your body. This may cause problems with other drugs or make other illnesses worse, long after you have stopped taking the drug.

• 15% of patients have stopped using Prozac due to problems. Withdrawal symptoms can be severe with psychiatric drugs. If you stop using them, do it slowly.

• This drug should NOT be used for transient (mild) depression. It should only be used when clearly needed.

• You should not drive, operate machines, play sports, or do dangerous things until you know what this drug does to you.

• Tell your nurse, doctor, pharmacist or dentist about any other drugs you are taking before any new treatment. Check with them before you take any medicine, even if it isn't a prescription drug.

• Stop taking this medicine and contact your doctor immediately if you notice any of the problems or conditions listed or anything unusual is happening, especially skin reactions.

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