Re: Chem. Brain Injury ... - Rosie

[Guest guest]

Rosie,

This is the info. from the online PDR.

Prozac has been called the " miracle drug, " but I

don't believe it.

I've known several people who have taken Prozac, and 2

of those people swear it's the greatest, but a couple

of other people had horrible reactions, and I think

that's the most dangerous thing about the drug. You

don't know how you're body is going to react to it,

until you take it.

Thank goodness I've never needed it, but even if I

did, I wouldn't take it.

Hope this helps.

Barb

Brand name:

Prozac

Pronounced: PRO-zak

Generic name: Fluoxetine hydrochloride

Other brand name: Sarafem

Why is this drug prescribed?

Prozac is prescribed for the treatment of

depression--that is, a continuing depression that

interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms of

major depression often include changes in appetite,

sleep habits, and mind/body coordination; decreased

sex drive; increased fatigue; feelings of guilt or

worthlessness; difficulty concentrating; slowed

thinking; and suicidal thoughts.

Prozac is also prescribed to treat

obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession is a

thought that won't go away; a compulsion is an action

done over and over to relieve anxiety. The drug is

also used in the treatment of bulimia (binge-eating

followed by deliberate vomiting). It has also been

used to treat other eating disorders and obesity.

Under the brand name Sarafem, the active

ingredient in Prozac is also prescribed for the

treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD),

formerly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS).

Symptoms of PMDD include mood problems such as

anxiety, depression, irritability or persistent anger,

mood swings, and tension. Physical problems that

accompany PMDD include bloating, breast tenderness,

headache, and joint and muscle pain. Symptoms

typically begin 1 to 2 weeks before a woman's

menstrual period and are severe enough to interfere

with day-to-day activities and relationships.

Prozac is a member of the family of drugs called

" selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors. " Serotonin

is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern

moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its

release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake

inhibitors such as Prozac slow this process, thereby

boosting the levels of serotonin available in the

brain.

Most important fact about this drug

Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been

known to occur when Prozac is used in combination with

other antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors,

including Nardil and Parnate; and when Prozac is

discontinued and an MAO inhibitor is started. Never

take Prozac with one of these drugs or within at least

14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them; and

allow 5 weeks or more between stopping Prozac and

starting an MAO inhibitor. Be especially cautious if

you have been taking Prozac in high doses or for a

long time.

If you are taking any prescription or

nonprescription drugs, notify your doctor before

taking Prozac.

How should you take this medication?

Prozac should be taken exactly as prescribed by

your doctor.

Prozac usually is taken once or twice a day. To be

effective, it should be taken regularly. Make a habit

of taking it at the same time you do some other daily

activity.

It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from

your depression, but the drug's effects should last

about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For

obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may

take 5 weeks to appear.

--If you miss a dose...

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember.

If several hours have passed, skip the dose. Never try

to " catch up " by doubling the dose.

--Storage instructions...

Store at room temperature.

What side effects may occur?

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop

or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as

possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe

for you to continue taking Prozac.

* More common side effects may include:

Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation,

abnormal vision, anxiety, diminished sex drive,

dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing,

gas, headache, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of

appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sinusitis,

sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset

stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning

* Less common side effects may include:

Abnormal taste, agitation, bleeding

problems, chills, confusion, ear pain, emotional

instability, fever, frequent urination, high blood

pressure, increased appetite, loss of memory,

palpitations, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders,

weight gain

A wide variety of other very rare reactions have

been reported during Prozac therapy. If you develop

any new or unexplained symptoms, tell your doctor

without delay.

Why should this drug not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an

allergic reaction to Prozac or similar drugs such as

Paxil and Zoloft, you should not take this medication.

Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug

reactions that you have experienced.

Do not take this drug while using an MAO

inhibitor. (See " Most important fact about this

drug. " )

Special warnings about this medication

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor,

do not take this medication if you are recovering from

a heart attack or if you have liver disease or

diabetes.

Prozac may cause you to become drowsy or less

alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, driving

or operating dangerous machinery or participating in

any hazardous activity that requires full mental

alertness is not recommended.

While taking this medication, you may feel dizzy

or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from

a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly

doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your

doctor.

If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking

Prozac, discontinue use of the medication and notify

your doctor immediately.

Prozac should be used with caution if you have a

history of seizures. You should discuss all of your

medical conditions with your doctor before taking this

medication.

The safety and effectiveness of Prozac have not

been established in children.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking

this medication

Combining Prozac with MAO inhibitors is dangerous.

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

If Prozac is taken with certain other drugs, the

effects of either could be increased, decreased, or

altered. It is especially important to check with your

doctor before combining Prozac with the following:

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Clozapine (Clozaril)

epam (Valium)

Digitoxin (Crystodigin)

Drugs that impair brain function, such as sleep

aids and narcotic painkillers

Flecainide (Tambocor)

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Lithium (Eskalith)

Other antidepressants (Elavil)

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Pimozide (Orap)

Tryptophan

Vinblastine (Velban)

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special information if you are pregnant or

breastfeeding

The effects of Prozac during pregnancy have not

been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan

to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately.

This medication appears in breast milk, and

breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking

Prozac.

Recommended dosage

ADULTS

The usual starting dose is 20 milligrams per day,

taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your

dose after several weeks if no improvement is

observed. People with kidney or liver disease, the

elderly, and those taking other drugs may have their

dosages adjusted by their doctor.

Dosages above 20 milligrams daily should be taken

once a day in the morning or in 2 smaller doses taken

in the morning and at noon.

The usual daily dose for depression ranges from 20

to 60 milligrams. For obsessive-compulsive disorder

the customary range is 20 to 60 milligrams per day,

though a maximum of 80 milligrams is sometimes

prescribed. For bulimia nervosa, the usual dose is 60

milligrams, taken in the morning. Your doctor may have

you start with less and build up to this dosage. The

usual dose for premenstrual dysphoric disorder is 20

milligrams a day.

If you are taking a 20-milligram daily dose of

Prozac for depression, the doctor may switch you to a

delayed-release formulation called Prozac Weekly. To

make the change, you'll be asked to skip your daily

dose for 7 days, then take your first weekly capsule.

Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious

consequences. An overdose of Prozac can be fatal. In

addition, combining Prozac with certain other drugs

can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an

overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* Common symptoms of Prozac overdose include:

Nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures,

sleepiness, vomiting

* Other symptoms of Prozac overdose include:

Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever,

irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid

muscles, sweating, stupor

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