However, in elderly and population-specific patients, they may order blood glucose and liver function tests. In addition, prescribers may order an ECG assessment for those patients with risk factors for QT prolongation and 10 best rehab centers for men ventricular arrhythmias. Pediatric patients’ height and weight should be monitored periodically when receiving fluoxetine. Therefore, a lower/less frequent dose of fluoxetine should be used in patients with cirrhosis.

If you have unused medication that has gone past the expiration date, ask your pharmacist how to correctly dispose of it. If you have any heart problems, your doctor can recommend whether Prozac is safe for you. Before starting treatment, be sure to talk with them about any personal or family history of heart problems. If you have any bleeding problems, your doctor will recommend whether Prozac is safe for you.

1. If your doctor prescribes this drug for you, they’ll monitor you closely for signs and symptoms of these risks.
2. Fluoxetine oral capsules may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors that affect your health.
3. Prozac can cause or worsen arrhythmias (irregular heart rhythm conditions) such as torsades de pointes.
4. But the risk of these side effects is greater in people under age 24 years.

If you take any of these drugs, talk with your doctor before taking Prozac. Below is a list of medications that can interact with Prozac. This list does not contain all drugs that may interact with Prozac. The sections below provide an overview of Prozac’s interactions. For more information, see this article or talk with your doctor or pharmacist. The combination of Prozac and olanzapine has been shown to work better than Prozac alone for these conditions.

When treating pregnant women during the third trimester with fluoxetine, the prescriber should consider the potential benefits and risks of treatment. Fluoxetine is an antidepressant and belongs to a group of medicines known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This medicine works by increasing the activity of a chemical called serotonin in the brain.

It’s also essential to mention any herbs, supplements, and vitamins you may use. Half-life refers to the time it takes for your body to get rid of half of a drug’s dose. The half-life of Prozac is shorter for people who’ve just started taking the drug compared with people who’ve taken several doses. They can also help you with managing a weight that’s healthy for you. If you have unusual changes in your thoughts, moods, behaviors, or feelings while taking Prozac, tell your medical professional right away. They may change your treatment plan or prescribe a drug for you other than Prozac.

Elderly people and people who have a hepatic impairment are also prescribed lower dosages. Studies have shown that when antidepressant drugs such as fluoxetine are used in the third trimester, they can increase the risk of complications at birth. Some people taking fluoxetine may be at higher risk for this side effect.

Prozac may cause serious side effects, but this isn’t common. If you do develop serious side effects while taking Prozac, call your medical professional immediately. Most medications, including Prozac, may cause side effects that can be serious or mild. To give you an idea of what might occur with Prozac, we’ve listed some of the medication’s more common side effects below.

IMPORTANT WARNING:

Before taking Prozac, talk with your doctor about your health history. Prozac may not be right for you if you have certain medical conditions or other factors affecting your health. Keep in mind that you may be able to get a 90-day supply of Prozac. If approved by your insurance company, getting a 90-day supply of the drug could reduce your number of trips to the pharmacy and help lower the cost. If you’re interested in this option, check with your doctor or your insurance company.

But fluoxetine likely works by balancing certain brain chemicals. Talk with your doctor about the risks and benefits of breastfeeding while taking fluoxetine. They can discuss the safety of breastfeeding versus using other options to feed your child. Your doctor may talk with your family, such as a partner or parent, while you’re taking fluoxetine.

Taking Prozac with other drugs

Taking MAO inhibitors with his medication may cause a serious (possibly fatal) drug interaction. Most MAO inhibitors should also not be taken for 2 weeks before and at least 5 weeks after treatment with this medication. During pregnancy, this medication should be used only when clearly needed. If you notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell the doctor promptly. Children may be more sensitive to the side effects of this drug, especially weight loss.

Prozac (fluoxetine)

Do not stop using fluoxetine suddenly, or you could have unpleasant withdrawal symptoms. Older adults may be more sensitive to the effects of fluoxetine. Some young people have thoughts about suicide when first taking an antidepressant. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits.

Or you may have unwanted intrusive thoughts about sex, religion, or harm to yourself or others. For this purpose, Prozac is prescribed for adults as well as children ages 7 years and older. You may wonder how Prozac compares with other medications that are prescribed for similar uses. To find out how Prozac compares with Zoloft, see this article.

Prozac in combination with Zyprexa (olanzapine) has an indication for treating treatment-resistant depression. If you’re concerned about the safety rewarding recovery of taking fluoxetine based on your age, talk with your doctor. Before you take fluoxetine, talk with your doctor if you drink alcohol.

If you need financial support to pay for Prozac, visit the Medicine Assistance Tool site. It lists programs that may help lower the cost of certain drugs. You can also ask your doctor or pharmacist for information on cost savings. Before approving coverage for Prozac, your insurance company may require you to get prior authorization. This means that your doctor and insurance company will need to communicate about your prescription before the insurance company will cover the drug. The insurance company will review the prior authorization request and decide whether the drug will be covered.