Prozac Side Effects
From Pharmacy Drug Guide
Prozac (fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and bulimia. It helps to stabilize mood and mental balance by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain. [1] The same active ingredient is also used in Serafem to relieve the symptoms caused by premenstrual dysphoric disorder, such as bloating, irritability, mood swings, and breast tenderness.
Common Prozac side effects include nausea and loss of appetite, difficulty sleeping or drowsiness, anxiety, sexual side effects, and dizziness. Prozac and similar drugs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. While this is rare, the results can be dangerous or even fatal. This is most likely to happen among younger users under the age of 24.[2]
 Flickr: Sarah G | |
| Brand name for | Fluoxetine[2] |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Eli Lilly[1] |
| Uses | Treat MDD, OCD, panic disorder, bulimia[2] |
| Common side effects | Difficulty sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, nausea, reduced libido, and loss of appetite[2] |
| Who should not take Prozac | Individuals taking MAOI inhibitors, Mellaril, or Orap, or those with a known allergy to the ingredients in Prozac[2] |
| Disclaimer | The information provided by PharmacyDrugGuide.com is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Do not take any action based on the information on this page without consulting a physician. |
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Common Prozac Side Effects
Trouble sleeping, fatigue, dizziness, anxiety, nausea, decreased appetite, weakness, lowered sex drive, excessive perspiration, and yawning are among the most commonly experienced Prozac side effects.[2]
More serious Prozac side effects that occur more infrequently are:
- Severe mental or mood changes that may include agitation, unusually high energy level or excitement, thoughts of suicide
- Easily bruising or bleeding
- Muscle weakness or muscle spasms
- Shakiness or tremor
- Decreased sex drive or changes in sexual ability
- Unusual weight loss
- Bloody, black, or tarry stools
- Vomit that is dark in color with the appearance of coffee grounds
- Changes in amount and coloring of urine
- Seizures
Adolescents and children taking Prozac may also experience:
- Increased thirst
- Increase in agitation or muscle movement
- Frequent urination
- Heavy menstrual periods
- Slow in growth rate, and weight change
Drug Side Effects
Prozac Allergic Reactions
The active active ingredient in Prozac, fluoexetine hydrochloride, or any of the inactive ingredients, may cause allergies. Ingredients vary by formulation:[3]
- Prozac pulvules may include gelatin, starch, silicone, iron oxide, titanium dioxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, and FD&C Yellow No. 6.
- Prozac oral solution includes 0.23% alcohol, benzoic acid, glycerin, flavoring agent, purified water, and sucrose.
- Prozac Weekly capsules include gelatin, D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C Blue No. 2, sucrose, sugar spheres, hypromellose, hypromellose acetate succinate, sodium lauryl sulfate, talc, titanium oxide, and triethyl citrate.
Symptoms of serious allergic reaction include itching or swelling of the eyes, tongue, mouth or face; rash, hives, welts or blisters; dizziness; trouble breathing; fever; and joint pain.
Prozac Precautions and Warnings
- Prozac may cause dizziness or drowsiness, and users who experience these side effects are urged not to drive or oprate heavy machinery. After starting a Prozac regimen, it may be necessary to wait until it the side effects are fully apparent before getting behind the wheel.[4]
- Prozac users are advised not to drink alcoholic beverages while taking the drug.[4]
- Elderly Prozac patients may be at risk for bleeding.[4]
- Prozac has the potential to harm unborn babies when used by pregnant women. Used in the final trimester, it may cause withdrawal symptoms after birth. These can include excessive crying, stiff muscles, and trouble feeding or breathing. However, in some cases it makes sense to continue Prozac treatment through pregnancy, as depression can also pose harm to infants.[4]
- Patients with certain medical conditions are advised to discuss them with a doctor before using Prozac. These include glaucoma, seizures, diabetes, liver issues, and suicidal tendencies.[4]
Also See: Marijuana and Prozac, Effexor XR Side Effects, Lexapro Side Effects, Abilify Side Effects, Zoloft Side Effects, Paxil Side Effects, Cymbalta Side Effects, Trazodone Side Effects, Zyprexa Side Effects
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