Today’s hectic lifestyles can be considered a great reason for anxiety, depression and panic attacks. However, there are ways to overcome these issues that negatively affect your sleep, mood and energy levels with best of them is to consult with a health professional.
At present Prozac(Fluoxetine) is one of the most prescribed antidepressants that is recommended to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, bulimia (eating disorder) and more. In order to get the full benefits of this medicine, it is really important to get acquainted with its basics as well as the Uses of Prozac(Fluoxetine).
Overview & Uses of Prozac(Fluoxetine)
Prozac came first into the US markets in the 1980s. Fluoxetine serves as an active ingredient in Prozac and belongs to the category of antidepressants that are used to treat anxiety, depression and other disorders. Anxiety issues can be mild or severe. Almost everyone experiences feelings of unease, worry or fear of the future, which is all anxiety about, sometime in their life. Whether it be the worry of appearing in an exam or having a job interview.
Depression Refers to a Mood Disorder
On the other hand, depression refers to a mood disorder that triggers feelings of sadness and negatively affects your thinking and action. Besides treating anxiety and depression, Prozac(Fluoxetine) is also helpful to cure bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. The class of medication to which this antidepressant belongs is called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs.
Bulimia nervosa refers to an eating disorder in a person who cannot control while eating. Conversely, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a state of mind wherein an individual start developing unwanted and obsessive thoughts and compulsive or repetitive behaviours.
Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) is a serious health issue that leads to severe depression and anxiety issues before starting periods. Prozac(Fluoxetine) is really effective to treat all the above-mentioned issues and also improves your sleep, mood and appetite. You feel more energetic than before and you willingly perform your routine work with interest.
How does Prozac (Fluoxetine) work?
As Prozac is an SSRI that is why it stops the brain from reabsorbing serotonin which plays a great role in mood regulation. Thus, it can be said when you take Prozac, your brain gets the ability to maintain enough serotonin needed for your well-being as well as improves the communication between brain cells.
The positive response from this medication reduces your anxiety symptoms and you may feel more relaxed, energetic, focused and less anxious. Your sleep and appetite improve and you take a great interest in life. However, it is important to know that these improvements will take time to become noticeable even more than 12 weeks. These improvements may not be noticeable until the side effects of this medicine are reduced.
Ways to Use Prozac Capsule
Before starting this medication or when you get a refill, it is important to read the instructions carefully provided by your healthcare professional or doctor. In the event of having any query regarding the medication, you must discuss it with your doctor to make the medication safe for you.
Take it orally through the mouth once in the morning if you are advised to take one dose a day. However, if you are prescribed to take two doses in a day, then you can take it twice in the morning and at noon. Measure the dose of the liquid form of this medicine carefully with a special measuring spoon other than a household spoon to consume the correct dose. Your doctor or healthcare professional will decide the dosage after examining your medical condition and your body’s response to the treatment.
Reduce the Risk of Side Effects
In order to reduce the risk of side effects, your doctor will suggest you start with a lower dose and gradually increase the dose. Always follow your doctor’s instructions to get more benefits from this medication. Don’t stop taking this medicine even if your anxiety or depression symptoms are gone. Consult your healthcare professional on the way to stop this medication to avoid withdrawal symptoms. Lowering the dose can save you from the risk of suffering withdrawal effects but do it after consulting your doctor.
Side Effects of Prozac (Fluoxetine)
There are some serious and common side effects associated with the use of Prozac (Fluoxetine).
Some common side effects of Fluoxetine include the following symptoms:
- Anxiety
- Blurred vision
- Dizziness
- Dry mouth
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Pain
- Stomach disturbance
- Strange dreams
- Sweating
- Vision changes
- Weakness
- Yawning
Serious side effects of this medicine are:
- Agitation
- Confusion
- Diarrhea
- Eye pain or swelling
- Fainting
- Fast heartbeat
- Fever
- Hallucinations
- Headache
- Loss of coordination
- Nausea
- Severe weakness
- Sore throat
- Sweating
- Tremors
- Vomiting
Warnings & Precautions
People allergic to fluoxetine or any of its materials must not take this medicine to avoid the risk of allergic reactions especially since it must not be used in combination with thioridazine or pimozide. Additionally, don’t take this medication in the case of taking an MAO inhibitor in the last 2 weeks as this can result in serious drug interaction.
MAO Inhibitor
If you are taking an MAO inhibitor, then wait for forteen days after stopping it and after it starts this medication. Likewise, you can take MAOI or thioridazine five weeks after stopping Prozac fluoxetine to make it safe for you. Before starting medication to combat anxiety and depression issues, inform your doctor.
if you have been taking any of the following antidepressants:
- Celexa
- Cymbalta
- Desyrel
- Effexor
- Lexapro
- Luvox
- Oleptro
- Paxil
- Pexeva
- Symbyax
- Viibryd
- Zoloft
In case you want to make this medicine safe for you, discuss and tell your healthcare professional, doctor or pharmacist if you ever experienced urination issues, diabetes, liver issues, narrow-angle glaucoma, epilepsy, seizures, manic depression, suicidal thoughts, or any other health issues.
Concluding Remarks
When it comes to Uses of Prozac(Fluoxetine), it is used to relieve the symptoms of anxiety, depression, eating disorders, panic attacks, OCD and more. This medication increases the level of a natural substance ‘serotonin’ in your brain that maintains your mental balance.
Apart from all benefits of this medicine, you must consult your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine to avoid the risk of interaction and side effects. Feel free to get SuperMeds services for consultation with expert doctors or hassle-free delivery of products displayed on our website.
