ABOUT PROZAC
Prozac is the first of the SSRI class of
drugs to be approved in the USA as a way to treat depression and related
symptoms by helping to block serotonin reuptake in the brain.
COMPLEMENTARY
AND ALTERNATIVE MEDICINE
Individuals with anxiety and depression related emotional
disturbances often find relief for some of their symptoms when taking
natural alternatives like St. Johns Wort, Kava Kava, Valerian Root, 5-HTP
and SAM-e. Clinical studies suggest that natural alternatives like
the ones mentioned above may be similarily as effective in relieving
some forms of anxiety and depression as are Prozac and other SSRI's.
Less than 1.5% of users of CAM therapies report adverse side effects. Visit
the homepages for the most popular alternative medicines by choosing
a product below.
| Product |
Amount |
Recommended
For |
|
Clarocet
NRI
(Immediate Release) |
500 mg
Capsules |
Adults & Teens
with Anxiety, Social Anxiety, Panic Attacks, Stress |
Visit |
Clarocet
ERT
(Timed Release) |
500 mg
Tablets |
Adults & Teens
with Anxiety, Panic Depressed Mood, Mood Swings, Stress |
|
Purecalm
(Anxiety Alternative) |
Liquid
Formula |
Adults
with Anxiety and Stress |
Visit |
MindSoothe
(Depression Alt.) |
Liquid
Formula |
Adults
with Depression and Mood Swings |
Visit |
CAM
therapies are not a substitute for Prescription Medications or professional
medical advice.*
WHERE TO BUY PROZAC
MORE PROZAC RELATED LINKS
PROZAC USES:
Prozac is used to treat depression, bulimia
(an eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and severe symptoms
of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-PMDD). This medication
works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in
the brain.
OTHER USES:
This medication has also been used to treat
panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.
HOW TO USE PROZAC:
Take this medication by mouth usually once
daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Some
medical conditions may require a different dosing schedule (e.g., twice
daily in the morning and at noon) as determined by your doctor. Take this
medication exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking this
medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication
without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full
benefit of this drug takes effect.
SIDE EFFECTS OF PROZAC:
Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth,
drowsiness, sweating, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects
persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately
if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight
loss, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, uncontrolled movements (tremor),
decreased interest in sex, flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, fever, muscle
aches, weakness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely
but serious side effects occur: vision changes, trouble swallowing, swelling
or white spots on the mouth and/or tongue, changes in sexual ability, painful
and/or prolonged erection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these
highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular/fast
heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate
medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include:
rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.
PRECAUTIONS:
Tell your doctor your medical history, especially
of: liver problems, kidney disease, seizures, heart problems, diabetes,
any allergies. This drug may make you dizzy or drowsy; use caution engaging
in activities requiring alertness such as driving or using machinery. Limit
alcoholic beverages. Liquid preparations of this product may contain sugar
and/or small amounts of alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes,
alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about
the safe use of this product. Caution is advised when using this product
in the elderly because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the
drug. This medication should be used only when clearly needed during pregnancy.
Discuss the risks and benefits with your doctor. This drug passes into breast
milk. Because of the potential risk to the infant, breast-feeding while
using this drug is not recommended. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding.
DRUG INTERACTIONS:
Certain medications taken with this product
could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO
inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine,
procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks, and avoid taking
thioridazine within 5 weeks, before or after treatment with this medication.
Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. This drug
is not recommended for use with: weight loss medicine (e.g., sibutramine,
phentermine), thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or
pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription
medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram,
sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine
drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants
(e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), flecainide, propafenone, haloperidol,
clozapine, lithium, tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin),
anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural
products (e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take
any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers,
anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine),
muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine),
certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all
your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain
drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of
these products. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation),
such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water
pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your
doctor or pharmacist for more details. Fluoxetine may affect the amount
of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you take any anti-diabetes medication
(e.g., glipizide, glyburide, metformin), your dosage of these drugs may
need to be adjusted when fluoxetine is started or discontinued. Consult
your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist
approval.
OVERDOSE:
If overdose is suspected, contact your local
poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose
may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness or lightheadedness.
NOTES:
Do not share this medication with others.
Laboratory and/or medical tests may be performed to monitor your progress.
MISSED DOSE:
If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you
remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose
and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.
STORAGE:
Store at room temperature between 59 and 86
degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) away from light and moisture.
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