Prozac-

What you should know before

you use it.

Distributed under Creative Commons license

 How it acts -

• Prozac, or Fluxoteine hydrochloride, has been widely

prescribed since 1986-87 as a popular antidepressant.

• By increasing availability of serotonin

neurotransmitter in the brain, Prozac brings out a
*FEEL GOOD* reaction from the brain.

• Experiments also show growth of new neurons in about

a month.
 Indications

• Depression

• Started in doses of 10-20 mgs and slowly increased

up to 60-80mgs.

• improvement in mood, reduced irritability and anxiety,

decrease in severity of symptoms of depression usually
take 3 to 4 weeks to appear.

• For long term benefits, it has to be used for at least 6

to 12 months.
 Indications- contd.
• OCD (Obsessive compulsive disorder), Bulimia and
Panic disorders.

• Prozac decreases severity of panic attacks as well as

relieves anxiety.

• PreMenstrual Syndrome- It relieves physical

symptoms (like body ache) as well as mood related
problems (like depression and irritability) which are
associated with premenstrual syndrome in women
(PMS).
 Use in Children

• Avoided in children.

Chance of increased impulsivity and suicide

attempts.

• Used only in serious cases of Major depression and

Obsessive compulsive Disorder, when no other drug
works.
 Precautions -
You can not be taking Prozac if-
• History of an allergic reaction while using Prozac.

This allergic reaction can manifest as rash,

itching, swelling over face and puffiness of eyes,
difficulty in breathing and sometimes may cause
death.
 Precautions – contd.
• Avoid using Prozac in combination with other mood
altering drugs or Antipsychotic.

Prozac, when used along with other such

medications which act on the brain, can cause many
drug interactions. In such cases, Prozac has to be
used under strict medical supervision.
 Special precautions
• It’s a Category C drug in the U.S in pregnancy,
meaning there is insufficient data about its effects
on the Fetus.

So if you are planning a pregnancy while using

Prozac, contact your doctor. The doctor would
slowly taper the dose of Prozac before finally
withdrawing it completely. It is also secreted in the
breast milk, so it is recommended you refrain from
breast feeding if you are using Prozac.
 Use with Caution
• Patients with severe Liver or renal disease are
generally not prescribed Prozac. These organs are
involved in the metabolism and excretion of Prozac.
Use small doses and constant monitoring in such
cases.

• Prozac is also avoided in Diabetics, especially those

who use oral medications to control their blood
sugar levels. Prozac is known to cause hypoglycemic
attacks.
Points to note when you are taking Prozac –

• DON’T STOP ABRUPTLY –

Abrupt withdrawal causes rebound Depression
which might be more difficult to treat. Withdraw by
slowly decreasing the dose and finally tapering it
off completely over a few weeks.

• Prozac may cause aggressiveness and violent

behavior in some people. It also leads to impulsive
behavior. These changes happen usually while
starting Prozac or when increasing the dose.
Points to note when you are taking Prozac -

• May cause symptoms like nausea, vomiting,

restlessness, Tremors, abdominal pain, diarrhea,
confusion, increased activity and hyperpyrexia
(fever) due to the increased serotonin levels

• May cause decrease in libido and impotence.

• Take it in the morning, preferably with food.

Prozac may cause drowsiness.
Points to note when you are taking Prozac -

• If you miss any dose, DON’T DOUBLEDOSE the next

day. Just carry on with the normal daily dose even
after any skipped doses.

• Be Patient- Beneficial effects take up to 3 to 4

weeks to appear. For sustainable, relapse free
improvement in depression, it needs to be taken
usually for at least 6 to 12 months.
Dr. Neelesh Bhandari
MBBS(A.F.M.C), MD (Path.)
PGP Human Rights.