$Unique_ID{BRK01960}
$Pretitle{}
$Title{FLUOXETINE}
$Subject{Prozac (Dista)}
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Copyright (C) 1991 Publications International, Ltd.


FLUOXETINE
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BRAND NAME (Manufacturer):
     Prozac (Dista)
TYPE OF DRUG:
     Cyclic antidepressant
INGREDIENT:
     fluoxetine
DOSAGE FORM:
     Capsules (20 mg)
STORAGE:
     Store at room temperature in a tightly closed container.  Do not store in
       the bathroom.  Heat or moisture can cause this medicine to break down.

USES

     Fluoxetine is used to treat the symptoms of mental depression.  It
relieves depression by increasing the concentration of certain chemicals
necessary for nerve transmission in the brain.

TREATMENT

     This medication should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.  In
order to avoid stomach irritation, you can take fluoxetine with food or with a
full glass of water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     The effects of therapy with this medication may not become apparent for
one to three weeks.
     If you miss a dose of this medicine, it is not necessary to make up the
missed dose.  Skip that dose and continue at the next scheduled time.  You
should never take a double dose to make up for one you missed.

SIDE EFFECTS

     Minor.

     Agitation, change in vision, changes in taste, constipation, decreased
appetite, decreased mental concentration, decreased sex drive, diarrhea,
dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, fast heartbeat, flushing, frequent
urination, headache, increased sweating, nausea, stomach cramps, stuffy nose,
vomiting, or weight gain or loss.
     Dry mouth can be relieved by chewing sugarless gum or sucking on hard
candy.
     To relieve constipation, increase the amount of fiber in your diet (fresh
fruits and vegetables, salads, bran, and whole-grain breads), exercise, and
drink more water (unless your doctor directs you to do otherwise).
     To avoid dizziness when you stand, contract and relax the muscles of your
legs for a few moments before rising.

     Major.

     Tell your doctor about any side effects that are persistent or
particularly bothersome.  IT IS ESPECIALLY IMPORTANT TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about
anxiety, chills or fever, convulsions (seizures), enlarged lymph glands
(swelling under jaw or in armpits or groin area), difficulty in breathing,
joint or muscle pain, skin rash or hives, or swelling of the feet or lower
legs.

INTERACTIONS

     Fluoxetine interacts with a number of other types of drugs:
     1. Extreme drowsiness can occur when this medicine is taken with central
nervous system depressants (such as alcohol, antihistamines, barbiturates,
benzodiazepine tranquilizers, muscle relaxants, narcotics, pain medications,
phenothiazine tranquilizers, and sleeping medications) or with other
antidepressants.
     2. Fluoxetine may increase the effects of anticoagulants (blood thinners)
such as warfarin, and certain heart medications (such as digitoxin).
     3. Serious side effects may occur if a monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitor
(such as furazolidone, isocarboxazid, pargyline, phenelzine, procarbazine, or
tranylcypromine) is taken with fluoxetine.  At least 14 days should separate
the use of fluoxetine and the use of an MAO inhibitor.
     4. Fluoxetine can increase agitation, restlessness, and stomach
irritation when taken along with tryptophan.
     Before starting to take fluoxetine, BE SURE TO TELL YOUR DOCTOR about any
medications you are currently taking, especially any of those listed above.

WARNINGS

     * Tell your doctor immediately if you develop a skin rash or hives while
taking this medication, or if you have ever had an allergic reaction to
fluoxetine.
     * Tell your doctor if you have a history of allergy to any substance,
such as foods, sulfites or other preservatives, or dyes.
     * Before starting to take this medication, be sure to tell your doctor if
you have a history of alcoholism or if you have ever had a heart attack,
asthma, circulatory disease, difficulty in urinating, electroshock therapy,
enlarged prostate gland, epilepsy, glaucoma, high blood pressure, intestinal
problems, liver or kidney disease, mental illness, stomach problems, or
thyroid disease.
     * If this drug makes you dizzy or drowsy, do not take part in any
activity that requires alertness, such as driving a car or operating
potentially dangerous equipment.
     * Do not stop taking this drug suddenly.  Abruptly stopping it can cause
nausea, headache, stomach upset, or a worsening of your condition.  Your
doctor may want to reduce the dosage gradually.
     * The elderly may be at increased risk for side effects.  Use this drug
cautiously, and report any mental status changes to your doctor immediately.
     * The effects of this medication may persist for as long as five weeks
after you stop taking it, so continue to observe all precautions during that
period.
     * Be sure to tell your doctor if you are pregnant.  Although birth
defects have not been documented in animal studies, it is not known if
fluoxetine is safe during human pregnancy.  It is also not known if fluoxetine
passes into breast milk, so be sure to tell your doctor if you are
breast-feeding an infant.

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The material contained here is "FOR INFORMATION ONLY" and should not replace 
the counsel and advice of your personal physician.  Promptly consulting your 
doctor is the best path to a quick and successful resolution of any medical 
problem.
