Drugs & Vitamins

Fluoxetine Active Ingredients: Fluoxetine tablets or capsules   Representative Names: Prozac Available Product Images: What are fluoxetine capsules or tablets? What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? How should I take this medicine? What if I miss a dose? What drug(s) may interact with fluoxetine? What side effects may I notice from taking fluoxetine? What should I watch for while taking fluoxetine? Where can I keep my medicine? What are fluoxetine capsules or tablets? (Back to top) FLUOXETINE (Prozac®) belongs to a class of antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It helps improve a person's mood. Fluoxetine can also help people with anxiety, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders (bulimia), panic disorder, or post-traumatic stress. Generics are available for some products. What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine? (Back to top) They need to know if you have any of these conditions: •diabetes •heart disease •kidney disease •liver disease •receiving electroconvulsive therapy •seizures (convulsions) •suicidal thoughts •an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives •pregnant or trying to get pregnant •breast-feeding How should I take this medicine? (Back to top) Take fluoxetine tablets or capsules by mouth. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Swallow with a drink of water. You can take fluoxetine with or without food. Take your doses at regular intervals. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your prescriber's advice. Contact your pediatrician or health care professional regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time. What if I miss a dose? (Back to top) If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses. What drug(s) may interact with fluoxetine? (Back to top) Fluoxetine has the potential to interact with a variety of medications, check with your healthcare professional. The following list contains some of these interactions. Do not take fluoxetine with any of the following medications: •astemizole (Hismanal®) •cisapride (Propulsid®) •pimozide (Orap®) •terfenadine (Seldane®) •thioridazine (Mellaril®) •medicines called MAO inhibitors-phenelzine (Nardil®), tranylcypromine (Parnate®), isocarboxazid (Marplan®), selegiline (Eldepryl®) Fluoxetine may also interact with the following medications: •alcohol •amphetamine •aspirin •benzodiazepines, commonly used for anxiety or sleeping problems, such as diazepam or alprazolam •buspirone •carbamazepine •certain diet drugs (dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine, sibutramine) •certain medicines for migraine headache (almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan, dihydroergotamine, ergotamine, methysergide) •cimetidine •cyproheptadine •dextroamphetamine •dextromethorphan •dofetilide •ergonovine •furazolidone •linezolid •lithium •metoprolol •medicines for diabetes •medicines for mental depression •medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances •methylergonovine •nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like ibuprofen) •phenytoin •propafenone •propranolol •St. John's wort •warfarin Tell your prescriber or health care professional about all other medicines you are taking, including non-prescription medicines, nutritional supplements, and herbal products. Also tell your prescriber or health care professional if you are a frequent user of drinks with caffeine or alcohol, if you smoke, or if you use illegal drugs. These may affect the way your medicine works. Check with your health care professional before stopping or starting any of your medicines. What side effects may I notice from taking fluoxetine? (Back to top) Side effects that you should report to your prescriber or health care professional as soon as possible: •anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, inability to sleep, irritability, hostility or extreme anger, aggressiveness, engaging in unusual or dangerous activities, restlessness or inability to sit still, fast talking, actions that are out of control, extreme elation or feeling of happiness that may switch back and forth with a depressed or sad mood •fast or irregular heart rate, palpitations •difficulty breathing •dizziness or lightheadedness •fast or irregular heart rate, palpitations •flu-like symptoms (fever, chills, cough, muscle or joint aches and pains) •seizures (convulsions) •skin rash, itching (hives) •unusual tiredness or weakness •vomiting Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your prescriber or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome): •blurred vision •difficulty sleeping •daytime drowsiness •diarrhea •dry mouth •flushing •headache •increased sweating •indigestion •increased or decreased appetite •sexual difficulties (decreased sexual desire or ability) •stuffy nose •tremor (shaking) What should I watch for while taking fluoxetine? (Back to top) Visit your prescriber or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Continue to take your medicine even if you do not immediately feel better. It can take several weeks before you feel the full effect of fluoxetine. If you notice any unusual effects, such as restlessness, worsening of depression, agitation, difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger, acting on dangerous impulses, or thoughts of suicide or suicidal attempts, you should call your health care provider immediately. If you have been taking fluoxetine regularly for some time, do not suddenly stop taking it. You must gradually reduce the dose or your symptoms may get worse. Ask your prescriber or health care professional for advice. You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how fluoxetine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol can make you more drowsy and dizzy. Avoid alcoholic drinks. Do not treat yourself for coughs, colds or allergies without asking your prescriber or health care professional for advice. Some ingredients can increase possible side effects. Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water will help. If you are going to have surgery, tell your prescriber or health care professional that you are taking fluoxetine. Where can I keep my medicine? (Back to top) Keep out of the reach of children in a container that small children cannot open. Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Last Updated:04/04/2006 CLINICAL PHARMACOLOGY© GOLD STANDARD MULTIMEDIA INC, ALL RIGHTS RESERVED

Note: The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist, or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that the use of the product is safe, appropriate, or effective for you. Consult your healthcare professional before taking the product.