A Comprehensive Overview
- 11 July, 22
Medications
Prozac is the brand name of the drug Fluoxetine which belongs to the class of antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In 1988, Prozac made its debut in the United States, where it quickly rose to become among the most frequently prescribed antidepressants. Despite the availability of more modern medications like sertraline and citalopram, it is nevertheless widely used. Prozac is prescribed to treat a variety of ailments, including depression and anxiety disorders.
The usage of Prozac is linked to certain negative effects, though. So, in this article, we will cover all the basic information on this antidepressant, how it works, the side effects of Prozac, its uses, and precautions.
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What Is Prozac?
Prozac is a prescription medication, a second-generation antidepressant classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Although it was initially developed to treat depression, now it is frequently recommended to treat several other conditions. It helps to eliminate the symptoms of anxiety and obsessive-compulsive disorder by affecting specific chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that interact between brain cells.
Fluoxetine HCL, a generic version of Prozac, is also offered. It is available as a delayed-release capsule, pills, capsule, and solution.
What Is Prozac Used For?
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved Prozac in 1987 for the following conditions:
- Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
- Panic Disorder
- Eating disorders (Bulimia Nervosa)
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD)
- Treatment-Resistant Depression (TRD)
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Prozac is also commonly used off-label to treat the following conditions:
- Borderline Personality Disorder (BPD)
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Social Anxiety Disorder (SAD)
- Premature ejaculation
- Fibromyalgia
- Migraine
What Does Prozac Feel Like When It Starts Working?
Prozac is an SSRI that eliminates depression symptoms by affecting the ability of neurons in the brain to absorb serotonin. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that serves as a chemical messenger in the brain, setting up the “communication” between the brain cells. When the absorption of serotonin is blocked by Prozac, it boosts the communication between the brain cells, and it helps to stabilize mood.
It is also known to stimulate neurons in the hippocampus, a region of the brain that aids in memory formation. Patients using Prozac may feel both physical and mental improvements, such as an improved mood, more energy, better sleep and food patterns, and a resurgence of interest in previously loved hobbies.
How Long Does It Take for Prozac to Work?
It takes time for Prozac to modify serotonin levels in the brain as well as lessen depressive symptoms. While a lot of patients anticipate a quick improvement in their mental state, this medicine is a long-term drug that requires some time, 4-6 weeks in most cases, to bring effect.
Sometimes in as little as one to two weeks, Prozac starts to ease the physical signs of depression including erratic sleep, appetite, or activity levels.
Commonly Prescribed Dosage
The patient’s age, medical history, and the ailment being treated are critical factors considered for the right dosage. The standard oral dose for depression in adults is between 10-20 milligrams (mg) taken in the morning once a day. The dosage may increase if symptoms do not go away after a few weeks. The maintenance dose is between 20 and 60 mg per day, whereas the daily maximum dose is 80 mg. Prozac is also available as a 90 mg delayed-release oral capsule taken once a week by an adult for depression.
Note: Only your doctor can recommend the right dosage for your condition.
Prozac Side Effects
Despite the efficacy, Fluoxetine’s side effects can not be ignored. In addition to common and mild side effects, it may cause some serious side effects in a few cases.
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Black Box Warning
The most important caution a medicine can have is an FDA black box warning. If there are any major or life-threatening dangers linked with the use of the drug, the government frequently demands pharmaceutical companies place a strong warning on the drug’s label and patient instruction sheets.
In October 2004, the FDA released a public warning for adolescents using antidepressants; two years later, the advisory was expanded to cover young adults up to the age of 24. In the first one to two months after beginning treatment with Prozac, there is a higher risk of suicidal thoughts and actions, according to the black box warning.
Prozac Drug Interactions
Drug interactions could alter how well your drugs are working or increase the possibility of major adverse effects. As fluoxetine remains in your system for several weeks after your last dosage and has the potential to interact with a wide range of drugs, it should be disclosed to your doctor or pharmacist before taking any other prescription.
The following drugs may result in severe drug interaction when used with Prozac:
- Antiepileptic drugs like clopidogrel
- NSAIDs like ibuprofen
- Blood thinners like warfarin
- Aspirin
- MAO inhibitors (the majority of MAO inhibitors should also not be used for two weeks before and at least five weeks after switching to Prozac)
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Can Prozac Give Withdrawals?
When a person stops using the medicine, withdrawal symptoms could develop. These symptoms could emerge as a result of the quick changes in serotonin levels that occur after stopping antidepressants. So, some people may have withdrawal symptoms after stopping Prozac. The onset, severity, and length of Fluoxetine/Prozac withdrawal symptoms can vary.
When someone quits taking fluoxetine or another SSRI, they could experience the following withdrawal symptoms:
- A sense of detachment
- “Brain zaps,” or feelings of an electric jolt to the skull
- Depression
- Anxiety
- Difficulty focusing
- Fatigue
- Flu-like symptoms, such as body aches, or chills
- Uncontrollable movements
- Mood swings
Antidepressant withdrawal symptoms, according to doctors, are often self-limiting and pass within a few weeks.
Precautions For Using Prozac
Discussing the following issues with your doctor before starting Prozac will help them to determine whether this drug is the best fit for you.
- If you have a medicine allergy or a reaction to any of the substances in capsules, tablets, or solutions, talk to your doctor.
- Inform your doctor and pharmacist about any additional prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, and vitamins you are now taking or intend to use.
- Inform your doctor about any dietary supplements and herbal remedies you are using, especially if they contain tryptophan or St. John’s wort.
- Additionally, let your doctor know if you are receiving electroshock therapy or have low potassium, magnesium, or sodium levels in your blood.
- Inform your doctor if you are expecting, especially if you are in the last few months of your pregnancy or if you are nursing a baby. Call your doctor right away if you get pregnant while taking fluoxetine. If fluoxetine is taken throughout the final months of pregnancy, it may have negative effects on the baby after birth.
Bottom Line
Along with its needed effects, the side effects of Prozac are highly considered when prescribing it to patients. Even though not all of these side effects are likely to occur, if they do, medical treatment may be required. If you have any of the mentioned side effects, consult with your prescriber right away. For online consultation with certified doctors contact us at MEDvidi.com.
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