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GENERIC
NAME: fluoxetine
BRAND NAME:
Prozac
DRUG CLASS AND MECHANISM:
Fluoxetine is in a new class of antidepressant
medications that affects chemical messengers
within the brain. These chemical messengers are
called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe
that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is
the cause of depression. Fluoxetine is believed
to work by inhibiting the release or affects the
action of serotonin. Fluoxetine does not have
MAO activity.
PRESCRIPTION: Yes
GENERIC AVAILABLE: Yes
PREPARATIONS: Capsules
(Pulvules) are available in 10mg and 20mg sizes.
Fluoxetine also is available in liquid oral
suspension of 20mg/5ml by Dista labs.
STORAGE: Store in a dry
place at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).
PRESCRIBED FOR: Depression
and has been approved for obsessive compulsive
disorders.
DOSING: Fluoxetine is used
in the treatment of depression and
obsessive-compulsive disorders. It usually is
taken once or twice daily; however, it also has
been taken once weekly. Fluoxetine should be
taken with food at doses specifically directed
by your physician. Individual doses vary greatly
between individuals. If discontinued you should
gradually withdraw from this medication as
directed by your doctor.
DRUG INTERACTIONS: Do not
take with MAO inhibitors or for at least two
weeks after their discontinuation. MAO
inhibitors medications should not be taken for
at least five weeks after discontinuing
fluoxetine (Prozac). The same is true for
Haldol. Most medications affecting the brain
have the potential to slow reflexes or impair
judgment and caution is advised. This medication
has not been studied extensively in the US and
re-evaluation periodically by your physician is
advised. This medication should not be taken
with tryptophan. Caution when taking this
medication with the heart drug lanoxin and the
anticoagulant coumadin. Check with you
pharmacist when taking with other medications.
NURSING MOTHERS: The
manufacturer of fluoxetine recommends that women
taking fluoxetine not nurse their infants.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fluoxetine as
with most antidepressants can cause nausea,
headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and
loss of appetite. Fluoxetine has been implicated
in serious skin rashes and vasculitis. Increased
blood pressure can occur and should be
monitored. Seizures have been reported.
Life-threatening interactions can occur in
combination with MAO inhibitors, such as nardil
and parnate. MAO inhibitors and fluoxetine
should not be taken together and a waiting
period of 14 days between taking these two
classes of medications is strongly advised.
"If
antidepressants are discontinued abruptly,
symptoms may occur such as dizziness, headache,
nausea, changes in mood, or changes in the sense
of smell, taste, etc. (Such symptoms even may
occur when even a few doses of antidepressant
are missed.) Therefore, it is recommended that
the dose of antidepressant be reduced gradually
when therapy is discontinued."
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