What is Prozac?
Prozac is part of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) family of medications.
It has multiple treatment uses, including: depression, bulimia, and Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
For more resources, including a full list of the risks and benefits of Prozac, please review the product monograph.
How does Prozac work?
Although the exact mechanism of Prozac’s function is still being explored, it’s believed that it works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.
In turn, this helps reduce the symptoms associated with mental health conditions like depression, bulimia, and OCD.
What is Prozac used to treat?
Prozac currently has three conditions that it’s indicated for use as a treatment. These are:
1. Depression
2. Bulimia
3. Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
Prozac has been shown to reduce the severity of symptoms that are associated with these conditions.
How do you take Prozac?
Prozac is to be taken orally, with or without food. It’s important to note that the capsules should not be opened or chewed, they’re to be swallowed whole.
Dosages may vary depending on your individual needs, and the recommendations made by your healthcare practitioner.
It’s vital that you follow your dosing instructions exactly as instructed by your practitioner. If you miss a dose, the recommendation is to take the missed dose as soon as you remember, and then take the next one at its regularly scheduled time.
Don’t stop taking Prozac without first consulting with your healthcare practitioner, because stopping the medication suddenly can cause negative side effects (i.e., headache, numbness, insomnia, etc.).
It may take weeks to start and notice changes from the medication, so it’s important to maintain regular dosages. Otherwise, it may not function as effectively as possible. Keep taking your Prozac until your doctor tells you to stop.
Remember: this medicine has been prescribed only for you. Do not give it to anybody else, as they may experience undesirable effects that can be serious.
How long does Prozac last after you take it?
What are the common side effects of Prozac?
The most common side effects from taking Prozac include:
- Nausea
- Tremors (shaking)
- Dizziness
- Anxiety
- Headache
- Drowsiness
- Nervousness
- Insomnia
- Fatigue
- Weakness
- Light-headedness
- Dry mouth
- Indigestion
- Upset stomach
- Diarrhea
- Excessive sweating
- Loss of appetite
- Low sex drive
- Itchy skin or rashes
- Weight gain or weight loss
Common serious side effects include:
- Allergic Reaction
- Anorexia
Uncommon, rare, and very rare serious side effects include:
- Akathisia
- Hallucinations
- Mania
- Seizures
- Urinary retention
- Angle-closureglaucoma
- Gastrointestinal Bleeding
- Heart rhythm problems
- Hyponatremia
- Liver Disorder
- Uncontrollable movements of the body or face
- Serotonin syndrome
- Increase in the hormone prolactin
- New or worsened emotional or behavioural problems
- Thrombocytopenia
These are not all the possible side effects you may have when taking Prozac. If you experience any side effects not listed here, tell your healthcare practitioner.
If you start to experience any severe side effects, be sure to talk to your healthcare practitioner right away or seek urgent medical assistance. They may be able to suggest an alternative dosage or medication that will work better for you.
Who shouldn't take Prozac?
There are a number of people who shouldn’t take Prozac, including
- People who are allergic to any of the ingredients in Prozac
- People who are taking or have recently taken thioridazine
- People currently taking or have recently taken monoamine oxidase antidepressants (i.e., phenelzine sulphate, moclobemide, linezolid)
In addition to these people, there are other conditions or behaviours that could impact the effect of your Prozac prescription, such as:
- Anorexia
- Bipolar disorder
- QT/QTc prolongation or a family history of QT/QTc prolongation
- Heart disease
- A history of fainting
- A history of family cardiac death under 50
- Electrolyte disturbances
- Low platelets, a bleeding disorder, or a history of bleeding disorders
- Have or have a history of seizures
- Diabetes
- A recent bone fracture, osteoporosis, or are at risk of osteoporosis
- Are pregnant or planning to become pregnant
- Are breastfeeding or planning to breastfeed
- Drink alcohol or use street drugs
- Have ever had an allergic reaction to medications
Effects on newborns:
In some cases, babies born to a mother taking PROZAC during pregnancy may require hospitalization, breathing support and tube feeding.
Be ready to seek medical help for your newborn if they:
- Have trouble breathing or feeding,
- Have muscle stiffness, or floppy muscles (like a rag doll)
- Have seizures (fits)
- Are shaking (jitteriness)
- Are constantly crying
If you take PROZAC:
- During early pregnancy, there is a possible slight increased risk that your newborn may have a heart defect.
- During late pregnancy, your newborn may be at risk of having a serious lung condition called Persistent Pulmonary Hypertension of the Newborn (PPHN), which causes breathing problems.
Be sure to let your healthcare practitioner know whether any of these apply to you, prior to requesting a Prozac prescription. This way, they can ensure you’re taking the medication safely, and it will work effectively for you.
Also, there are a large number of other medications that can interact with Prozac, so be sure to let your practitioner know all other medications that you’re currently taking, prior to requesting a Prozac prescription.
Further reading
