Brand Name: Prozac (not available in generic)

Manufacturer: Dista Products (a division of Eli Lilly and Co.)

Description: Fluoxetine is an antidepressant in the SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) class. It blocks the reuptake of serotonin (a brain chemical) at the nerve endings, thereby allowing it to accumulate to higher levels. Food does not affect its absorption. 

Indications and Uses: Prozac is indicated for the treatment of depression, Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, and in moderate to severe bulimia nervosa.  It is also used by some physicians to treat anxiety/panic disorders, although it does not yet have FDA approval for this use.

Contraindications, Warnings, and Precautions: Because Fluoxetine is tightly bound to plasma protein, caution should be exercised in giving it with other protein bound medications (e.g. Coumadin, digitoxin). Fluoxetine is contraindicated for use with MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) and with tryptophan. Alcohol use with fluoxetine is contraindicated. Use with other CNS (central nervous system) active drugs should be approached with caution. For example, Fluoxetine prolongs the half life of diazepam. Fluoxetine is contraindicated in patients with a known hypersensitivity. Fluoxetine can activate mania in patients with Bipolar Disorder. It may lower the seizure threshold and, therefore, should be used with caution in patients with a history of seizures.

Adverse Reactions: Possible common side effects are nausea, anxiety/nervousness, headache, diarrhea, dry mouth drowsiness, tremor, dizziness and insomnia. 

Dosing Range: The dosing range with Prozac is from 10 mg to 80 mg per day. It is available in 10 mg and 20 mg capsules as well as in a liquid oral solution.

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© 2000 Red Oak Psychiatry Associates, P.A.    Updated 11/26/2007