Prozac was the first of a new class of drugs, called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to be approved for use in the United States. This new type of medication helps patients with depression by increasing the availability of serotonin in the brain. Scientists believe serotonin affects many types of activity in the brain, including the regulation of mood.

Capsules
Chemical Name: FLUOXETINE (floo-OX-uh-teen)

Common uses
This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or bulimia. This medicine may also be used to treat PMS (premenstrual syndrome). It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your doctor.

Before using
Some medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, sibutramine, terfenadine, thioridazine, tramadol, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking cisapride, clozapine, cyclobenzaprine, cyproheptadine, lithium, propafenone, selegiline, tricyclic antidepressants, or medicine for seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.

Directions
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH FOOD if it upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.

Cautions
UP TO 4 WEEKS MAY PASS before this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without checking with your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain dextromethorphan. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. The manufacturer of this medicine states that taking this medicine while breast-feeding is not recommended. CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT BREAST-FEEDING.

Possible side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nervousness, trouble sleeping, headache, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle spasms, or changes in sexual function. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.

If you take too much
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, seizures, restlessness, fast or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.

Additional information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.