Prozac (Fluoxetine) belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Prozac is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some eating disorder (bulimia nervosa) and panic attacks. It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance which may be unbalanced in people with depression, panic, anxiety, or obsessive-compulsive symptoms. It is sometimes used together with Olanzapine (Zyprexa) to treat depression that did not respond to other medications and episodes of depression in people with bipolar disorder.

Doctor's prescription is required to use this medicine.

Always take Prozac (fluoxetine) as directed by your physician. Follow all directions on your prescription label and read all medication guides or instruction sheets. Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply. Do not take more or less of it or take it more often than prescribed by your doctor.

Always use Prozac (fluoxetine) exactly as directed by your doctor. Before taking fluoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if you are allergic to it or any other medications. Tell your doctor or pharmacist about your medical history. Tell your doctor about all the other prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking.

Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy, or if you plan to become pregnant or are breastfeeding. If you become pregnant while taking fluoxetine, call your doctor. Fluoxetine may cause problems in newborns following delivery if it is taken during the last months of pregnancy.

Fluoxetine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.

Do not use Prozac if you have taken an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur.

NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

• nervousness

• anxiety

• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep

• nausea

• diarrhea

• dry mouth

• heartburn

• yawning

• weakness

• uncontrollable shaking of a part of the body

• loss of appetite

• weight loss

• changes in sex drive or ability

• excessive sweating

• headache, confusion, weakness, difficulty concentrating, or memory problems

Some side effects can be serious. If you experience any of the following symptoms, call your doctor immediately:

• rash

• hives or blisters

• itching

• fever

• joint pain

• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs

• difficulty breathing or swallowing

• agitation, fever, sweating, confusion, fast or irregular heartbeat, shivering, severe muscle stiffness or twitching, hallucinations, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea

• fast, slow, or irregular heartbeat

• shortness of breath

• dizziness or fainting

• seizures

• abnormal bleeding or bruising

Fluoxetine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose and continue your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What happens if I overdose?

In case of overdose, call the poison control helpline. If the victim has collapsed, had a seizure, has trouble breathing, or can't be awakened, immediately call emergency services.

Where should I keep my medicine?

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

What should I avoid while taking Prozac?

Drinking alcohol can increase certain side effects of Prozac. Ask your doctor before taking any medications that effect blood clotting, other anticoagulants, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Using any of these medications with Prozac may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. This medication may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.