Description

Prozac comprises an active ingredient Fluoxetine, an antidepressant belonging to a class selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (second-generation antidepressants).

Indications:

- major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression (feeling sad, inability to sleep properly or to enjoy life as one used to);

- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (obsessive repetitive actions like hand-washing, counting, checking);

- bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder characterized by binge-eating and purging);

- panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (excessive and persistent fear of public places or open areas);

- depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder (only in combination with another medication like Olanzapine);

- off-label treatment of premature ejaculation (PE), (or too early ejaculation within 1 minute after penetration).

MOA (mechanism of action):

Fluoxetine slows the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter, which sends electrical messages between nerve cells (neurons). Usually, serotonin is quickly reabsorbed, but Fluoxetine lets the serotonin remain in the synaptic gap between neurons for a longer period of time. This allows the chemical to send additional messages to the receiving neuron, which results in improvement in mood.

Dosage

Swallow a capsule whole with a drink of water.

Prozac should only be used in children and adolescents aged between 8-18 years for the treatment of moderate to severe depression (alongside psychological therapy).

For depression and OCD: 20 mg once daily dose. The daily dose may be increased later if no clinical improvement is observed.

For bulimia: 20 mg three times daily.

For panic disorder: 10 mg/day. After one week increase the dose to 20 mg/day. The dose may be increased after several weeks if no clinical improvement is observed.

Take Prozac at the same time each day.

Treatment in children should be held under the doctor's supervision.

Precautions:

Do not stop taking Prozac after a week or two, feeling it doesn't work.

It can take up to 2 weeks after starting this treatment before positive effect appear, and 4-6 weeks before a patient feels the full benefit.

Be careful while taking Prozac tablets if you have diabetes, as it may alter your blood glucose levels and your insulin/medication may need adjusting.

When stopping treatment with Prozac, it is best to decrease the dose gradually over a period of several weeks or months to minimize the withdrawal reactions.

Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Prozac.

Missing a dose

If you miss a dose you should take it as soon as you remember about your missing. If it is the time for the next dose you should continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose of Prozac to compensate the missed dose.

Overdose

If you take an overdose of Prozac, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.