How to use

Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) should be taken orally, usually once a day, with or without food. This medication may make you either sleepy or more awake, so depending on the effect this medication has on you, your doctor may advise you to take the full dosage either in the morning or the evening. Follow the instructions of your doctor carefully, even if they differ from the usually recommended dosage. Read the label thoroughly. To obtain maxium benefits of Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine), you should take this medication regularly, at approximately the same time every day. It should become part of your daily routine.

It is important to keep taking Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine), even if you feel well, unless otherwise directed by your doctor. If you suddenly stop taking this medication, some conditions may become worse. You need to be gradually weaned off the pills.

Overdose
Common potential symptoms of a Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) overdose include:

• Seizures
• Drowsiness
• Nausea
• Fast heart rate (tachycardia)
• Vomiting

Other, less frequent, overdose symptoms include, but are not limited to:

• Coma
• Irregular heart rhythm (arrhythmia)
• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Low blood pressure (hypotension)
• Fever
• Fainting
• Loss of life

An overdose of this medication can be fatal. Combining Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) with certain other medicines can cause symptoms of an overdose. If you suspect you have taken too much of this medication, contact your loval poison control center or the emergency medical services immediately.

Missed dose
If you forget to take a dosage of Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine), then take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is close to your next scheduled dosage, just skip the missed dose and take the next one instead. Do not double up on this medication to make up for a missed dose.

Notes
While under treatment with Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine), you should make regular appointments for medical or psychiatric tests and check-ups. This way, your doctor can chart your progress and check for any side effects. Make sure not to miss any of these appointments.

Do not share this medication with others, as they may have a condition that is not effectively treated by Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine).

Storage
Store Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) and away from light and moisture. KEEP THIS AND ALL MEDICATIONS OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN.

Important note
The above information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgement of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed that the taking of this medication is safe, appropriate or effective for you.

 * Illustrations are for graphic purposes only and the ordered medication may differ in appearance.

Precautions
Before using Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine), you should inform your doctor of all other conditions your suffer or ever have suffered from, including:

• Personal or family history of bipolar/manic-depressive disorder
• Personal or family history of suicide attempts
• Liver problems
• Diabetes
• Low sodium in the blood
• Severe loss of body water (dehydration)
• Seizures
• Stomach or intestinal ulcers

If you have any of the above conditions, you may not be able to take Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) or you may need a dosage adjustment.

Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) may make you dizzy or drowsy. Avoid driving or any other activities that require alterness, until you are sure you can safely do so.

If you are diabetic, this medication may affect your blood sugar levels. You should monitor your blood sugar levels regularly and discuss the results with your doctor. Based on those results, he may decide to adjust your medication, diet or amount of exercise. Liquid forms of Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) may contain sugar or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence or a liver disease. For this reason you should also limit your alcohol intake while taking this medication.

Caution is advised when Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) is taken by an elderly person as they may be more sensitive to certain side effects of this medication. People of this age group are more likely to lose too much salt (hyponatremia), especially if they are also taking diuretics.

Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) is classed as Pregnancy Category C, which means it is not sure whether this medication could be harmful to an unborn baby. It is generally accepted that these pills are relatively safe to use during pregnancy and that the benefits and risks of taking them should be weighed against each other. Discuss the use of this medication with your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to become pregnant during treatment.

Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) passes through breast milk and may be harmful to a nursing infant. It is not recommended to breastfeed while taking this medication. Discuss the risks of benefits with your doctor.

Drug Interactions
Before taking Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine), inform your doctor of all other medication you are currently taking:

• MAO inhibitors (Furazolidone, Isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Moclobemide, Phenelzine, Procarbazine, Rasagiline, Selegiline, Tranylcypromine) with fluoxetine for 2 weeks before, during treatment, and at least 5 weeks after your last dose
• Pimozide
• Sibutramine
• Thioridazine
• Carbamazepine
• Cimetidine
• Phenytoin
• Vinblastine
• Medication for anxiety such as Alprazolam and Diazepam
• Antipsychotics such as Aripiprazole, Clozapine, Haloperidol, Perphenazine
• Antiarrhythmics such as Propafenone and Flecainide
• TCA antidepressants such as Desipramine or Imipramine
• Fosamprenavir
• Ritonavir
• Metoprolol
• Diuretics such as Furosemide
• Medication that can cause bleeding or bruising (including aspirin, antiplatelet drugs such as Clopidogrel, NSAIDs such as Ibuprofen, blood thinners such as Heparin and Warfarin
• Bromocriptine
• Buspirone
• Dextromethorphan
• Lithium
• Meperidine
• Propoxyphene
• Phentermine
• SSRIs
• SNRIs
• Tryptophan
• St. John's wort
• Medication used to treat migraines such as triptans and dihydroergotamine
• Street drugs such as MDMA or ecstasy
• Amphetamine
• Certain antihistamines including diphenhydramine
• Anti-seizure drugs (such as Carbamazepine)
• Medicine for sleep or anxiety such as Lorazepam, Zolpidem
• Muscle relaxants
• Narcotic pain relievers (such as Codeine)
• Psychiatric medicines (such as Chlorpromazine, Quetiapine, Nortriptyline, Trazodone)
• Cimetidine
• Cough-and-cold medication containing ingredients that cause drowsiness

Fluoxetine may stay in your body for several weeks after treatment and could interact with other medications. Before taking any other medication you should tell your doctor if you have taken Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) in the past 5 weeks.

This is only a partial list and there may be other medications which interact with Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine). Inform your doctor of all other prescription and non-prescription medication you use, including dietary supplements, vitamins, herbal pills and medication prescribed by other doctors. Do not start or stop taking any medication without discussing it with your doctor first.

Common potential side effects of Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) include:

• Nausea
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Anxiety
• Trouble sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Weakness
• Tiredness
• Sweating
• Yawning

If any of the above side effects persist or worsen, you should notify your doctor immediately.

Inform your doctor straightaway if you experience any of the following unlikely but serious side effects:

• Unusual or severe mental or mood changes (such as agitation, unusual high energy or excitement, thoughts of suicide)
• Uncontrolled movements (for example, movements of the lips or tongue)
• Shakiness (tremor)
• Restlessness
• Inability to keep still
• Decreased interest in sex
• Changes in sexual ability
• Blurred vision
• Numbness tingling

Tell your doctor immediately if you experience any of the following rare but very serious side effects:

• Bloody, black or tarry stools
• Vomit that looks like coffee grounds
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Fainting
• Fast or irregular heartbeat
• Muscle weakness or spasm
• Seizures
• Change in amount of urine

In very rare cases, Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. This risk increases when used in combination with other medication, such as:

• Triptans for the treatment of migraine headaches (e.g. sumatriptan and eletriptan)
• Certain antidepressants including other SSRIs (such as Citalopram and Paroxetine) and SNRIs (such as Duloxetine, Venlafaxine)
• Lithium
• Tramadol
• Tryptophan
• Certain drug to treat obesity (Sibutramine)

Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when you start or increase the dose of any of these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if you develop some of the following symptoms:

• Hallucinations
• Unusual restlessness
• Loss of coordination
• Fast heartbeat
• Severe dizziness
• Unexplained fever
• Severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Twitchy muscles

In very rare cases, you may experience a severe allergic reaction to this medication. Seek emergency medical attention if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Rash
• Itching or swelling (especially of the face, tongue or throat)
• Severe dizziness
• Trouble breathing

Rarely, men who use Generic Prozac (Fluoxetine) may suffer from a painful or prolonged erection (that lasts longer than 4 hours). If this happens, seek immediate medical attention.

Studies have shown that a small number of people taking antidepressants for any condition (especially people under 25) may experience worsening depression, other mental or mood symptoms or suicidal thoughts or attempts. Discuss the risks and benefits of taking antidepressants with your doctor, especially if you are under 25. Inform your doctor straightaway if you notice any of the following symptoms:

• Worsening depression or other psychiatric conditions
• Unusual behaviour changes (including possible suicidal thoughts or attempts)
• New or worsening anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Trouble sleeping
• Irritability
• Hostile or angry feelings
• Impulsive actions
• Severe restlessness
• Very rapid speech

This is only a partial list and other side effects may occur. Inform your doctor straightaway if you experience any side effects other than the ones mentioned above, epecially if they are bothersome.