Prozac (fluoxetine hydrocloride)
Effective dosage:
20 mg daily
Side effects:
- nausea/vomiting
- fast or irregular heat beat
- diarrhea
- trouble sleeping
- dizziness
- headache
Detection time: 2-3 days.
Drug Class: Anti-Depressant.
Prozac detailed information:
Prozac (fluoxetine) is a member of the serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family. Prozac is one of the world's most widely prescribed antidepressants. It is an antidepressant medication originally approved in 1987 and currently available for the treatment of obsessions and compulsions in patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). 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.
Many scientists believe that an imbalance in serotonin, a neurotransmitter, may be an important factor in the development and severity of depression. Prozac is believed to work by blocking the reabsorption of serotonin, a neurotransmitter or chemical messenger in the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Fluoxetine is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affects the action of serotonin. Fluoxetine does not have MAO activity. 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.
In addition, Prozac is used to treat panic disorder, including panic associated with agoraphobia (a severe fear of being in crowds or public places). People with panic disorder usually suffer from panic attacks—feelings of intense fear that develop suddenly, often for no reason. Various symptoms occur during the attacks, including a rapid or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.
Fluoxetine, the substance in Prozac, is also used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), symptoms of which occur in the week or two before a woman's menstrual period and commonly include irritability, mood swings, and tension as well as the physical symptoms of bloating and breast tenderness.
In children and adolescents, Prozac is used to treat major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
It usually is taken once or twice daily, it also has been taken once weekly. Fluoxetine should be taken with food at doses specifically directed by your physician. Try to take fluoxetine at the same time each day. Individual doses vary greatly between individuals. If discontinued you should gradually withdraw from this medication as directed by your doctor. Do not stop taking fluoxetine without first talking to your doctor. It may take several weeks before you to start feeling better.
Prozac belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Store in a dry place at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).
For further information about PROZAC, consult with your doctor.
