Taking a closer look at Prozac (Fluoxetine)
Learn more about Prozac (Fluoxetine) from Chemist2U, your online solution for home delivery of your mental health medications.
In this article, we delve into some important insights about Prozac (Fluoxetine), from how it works and how to take it to potential side effects and interactions with other medications.
In this article
How does Prozac (Fluoxetine) work?
Prozac (Fluoxetine) is a type of medicine that may be prescribed for the improvement of mood and mental health. It belongs to a group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is important because it helps regulate your mood, emotions, and sleep.
Usually, serotonin is released into spaces between brain cells and then taken back up by the same cells that released it. Prozac (Fluoxetine) is thought to work by stopping this reuptake, meaning more serotonin stays available in the brain. This could help improve mood and reduce symptoms of conditions like depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bulimia.[1]
How do you take Prozac (Fluoxetine)?
Taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) correctly is essential for its effectiveness. Talk to your doctor about the recommended dosage for your condition.
Typically, adults start at 20 mg daily, potentially adjusting up to 60 mg as per your doctor’s advice. Those with liver conditions or older adults may require a lower dose, while children might start at 10 mg, increasing to 20 mg if necessary.[2]
It’s crucial to take Prozac (Fluoxetine) at the same time each day, with or without food, to maintain steady medication levels. If it affects your sleep, taking it in the morning is advisable. If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless it’s close to your next dose. If that’s the case, skip it and stick to your regular schedule. Never double up on doses.
Above all, following your doctor’s instructions on dosage and duration is vital. Adjusting your dose or stopping Prozac (Fluoxetine) without a doctor’s guidance can lead to adverse effects.
Who can take Prozac (Fluoxetine)?
Prozac (Fluoxetine) can generally be prescribed for most adults with depression, OCD, and bulimia. It can also be prescribed to children aged eight and older for depression.[3]
If you’re managing diabetes, taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) might require you to monitor your blood sugar levels more closely, especially at the start of treatment, to ensure any necessary adjustments can be made to your diabetes medication.
However, this mental health medication may not be the right choice for everyone. Before starting it, it’s essential to talk to your doctor if you:
- have had an allergic reaction to fluoxetine or any other medicine in the past;
- have heart issues, as fluoxetine can affect your heartbeat;
- are pregnant, trying to conceive, or breastfeeding;
- are taking any medications that may interact with Prozac (Fluoxetine);
- suffer from glaucoma because fluoxetine might increase your eye pressure; and
- have epilepsy or are undergoing electroconvulsive treatment, as there’s a risk that fluoxetine could trigger a seizure.[4]
Side effects of Prozac (Fluoxetine)
When taking Prozac (Fluoxetine), there may be some common side effects that often get better as your body adjusts to the medication, such as:[5]
- feeling nervous or anxious
- difficulty sleeping
- nausea or feeling sick
- diarrhea
- dry mouth
- heartburn
- yawning a lot
- feeling weak
- shaking uncontrollably
- loss of appetite
- unusual dreams
- stuffy nose
- problems with sexual performance or desire
There are also less common but more severe side effects, such as the following:[6]
- skin rash, hives, or blisters
- itching or joint pain
- swelling in parts of your body like the face or limbs
- trouble breathing or swallowing
- high fever, confusion, fast heartbeat, shivering, or severe muscle stiffness
- dizziness, fainting, or seizures
- unusual bleeding or bruising
If you notice any of these severe side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately.
Take note that children taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) might experience weight loss or slow growth. There could also be other side effects not listed here. Always reach out to your doctor if you notice anything unusual during your treatment with fluoxetine.
Prozac (Fluoxetine) and other medications
It’s essential to communicate with your doctor about any other medications or supplements you’re taking, as they can interact with Prozac (Fluoxetine). These interactions can affect how well Prozac (Fluoxetine) works or increase the risk of side effects.
This includes prescription drugs, over-the-counter medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements. Even seemingly harmless supplements can have unexpected interactions with Prozac (Fluoxetine).
Medicines you should not use with Prozac (Fluoxetine)
You should not take Prozac (Fluoxetine) while taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as isocarboxazid, linezolid, metaxalone, methylene blue, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, safinamide, selegiline, tranylcypromine.
Avoid taking Prozac (Fluoxetine) while taking other SSRIs and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs).[7] Doing so risks developing serotonin syndrome.[8] Some examples of other serotonergic medications include Cymbalta, Zoloft, Brintellix, and Celapram.
Taking fluoxetine with blood thinners like warfarin can increase the risk of bleeding.[9]
Feel free to ask your doctor for a more comprehensive list of what medications you should avoid while on Prozac (Fluoxetine).
How to order Prozac (Fluoxetine) through Chemist2U
Experience the ease and convenience of managing your mental health medications with Chemist2U. Whether you’re seeking home delivery for an antidepressant or medication for anxiety relief, we bridge the gap between you and your nearest pharmacy.
Start by uploading your eScript to our app or this website. You can also add over-the-counter medication and general pharmacy products. Every order, be it Prozac for depression or medication for seasonal affective disorder, is carefully dispensed by a trusted partner pharmacist from your local area.
Same-day delivery is available with the majority of medications; simply ensure that you place your order before the cutoff time, which is typically 2.00 p.m. but may vary in some locations. Note: A minority of products (inc. Ozempic and Mounjaro) are delivered via AusPost. Allow five to seven business days.
With Chemist2U, having your prescription medication for depression and stress management home-delivered has never been easier.
Order home delivery at Chemist2U today!
References
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459223/
[2] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluoxetine-prozac/how-and-when-to-take-fluoxetine/
[3] https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/29083803
[4] https://www.nhs.uk/medicines/fluoxetine-prozac/who-can-and-cannot-take-fluoxetine/
[5] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html
[6] https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html
[7] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181155/
[8] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459223/
[9] https://www.drugs.com/drug-interactions/prozac-with-warfarin-1115-648-2311-0.html
