What is Prozac?
Prozac is a prescribed antidepressant drug. Severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder are the most common conditions treated by the medication. The medication helps in the rehabilitation of many people suffering from depression and has fewer side effects than older antidepressants. The tablet comes in the form of tablets and capsules.
Prozac Uses:
Prozac is an antidepressant drug that is often used to treat panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder). It can help to reduce fear, anxiety, unwanted thoughts, and panic attacks. It may also lessen the desire to perform repetitive tasks (compulsions like hand-washing, counting, and checking) that obstruct everyday life. Prozac can help with premenstrual symptoms including irritability, hunger, and depression. In bulimia, it may help to minimise bingeing and purging.
Prozac Side Effects:
The most common side effects of Prozac are:
- Nervousness
- Anxiety
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Heartburn
- Yawning
- Weakness
- Loss of appetite
- Headache
- Weakness
Some of the serious side effects of Prozac are:
- Rashes
- Hives
- Itching
- Fever
- Joint pain
- Swelling of face
- Breathing
- Agitation
- Irregular heartbeat
- Shortness of breath
- Dizziness
- Abnormal bleeding
Prozac can cause some serious side effects and can lead to some serious health problems. If you are facing any of the above serious side effects. Talk with your doctor if you are having any serious problems.
Precautions:
Before taking Prozac talk with your doctor if you are allergic to it or any other medications. The product may contain some inactive ingredients which can cause serious allergic reactions or some other serious problems. Before taking Prozac talk with your doctor if you are having any medical history such as Manic depressive disorder, Liver problems, diabetes, low sodium in the blood, seizures, stomach disease, intestinal ulcers and glaucoma.
How to use Prozac?
- Prozac is available in the form of a pill, a tablet, a delayed-release capsule (which releases the drug in the intestine), and a solution (liquid) for oral administration. It is a medication that can be taken with or without food. The medication is available as a tablet to be swallowed. The tablet is usually taken once a day, on the same day per month or on particular days during the month..
- The standard adult dosage for depression is 20 milligrams (mg) taken once a day in the morning orally. If symptoms do not improve after a few weeks, the dosage may be increased. The normal maintenance dose ranges from 20 to 60 mg, with a maximum dose of 80 mg.
Missed Dose
Take the next dose at the same time the next day. To make up for a missed dose, never take two doses at the same time. But with some medication, it won’t work if you don’t take the dosage on time. If you miss a dose some sudden chemical change may affect your body.
Overdose
Overdose of a drug can be accidental. If you have taken more than the prescribed Prozac tablets there is a chance of getting a harmful effect on your body’s functions. Overdose of a medicine can lead to some medical emergency.
Warnings for some Serious Health Conditions:
Pregnancy
During pregnancy, women can take Prozac if the potential benefits outweigh the potential risks to the foetus. Antidepressants have been linked to an increased risk of neonatal maladaptation syndrome in research. Symptoms include jitteriness, eating and breathing difficulties, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).
Breastfeeding
It is not recommended to breastfeed since Prozac will pass into the milk. There is a risk that a person may be allergic to the ingredients, just as with any other medication. If the patient develops a rash, hives, swelling, or trouble breathing, they should seek medical attention immediately because an allergic reaction can quickly escalate into a medical emergency.
Storage
Direct contact with heat, air and light may damage your medicines. The exposure of medicine may cause some harmful effects. The medicine must be kept in a safe place and out of children’s reach.
Mainly the drug should be kept at room temperature between 68ºF and 77ºF (20ºC and 25ºC).
Prozac vs Xanax:
Prozac |
Xanax |
|---|---|
| Severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder are the most common conditions treated by Prozac. | Xanax is an anti-anxiety medication used for treating anxiety orders and panic attacks. |
| Prozac can help with premenstrual symptoms including irritability, hunger, and depression. In bulimia, it may help to minimise bingeing and purging. | Xanax is used to manage anxiety disorder and it provides some short term relief from the symptoms of anxiety. |
Some of the common side effects of Prozac are:
|
Some serious side effects of Xanax are:
|
