Yashoda Hospitals > Medicine FAQS > Prozac

Prozac: Frequently Asked Questions Answered

What is Prozac?

Prozac is an antipsychotic medication. It is most effective in treating chronic depression, OCD, and anxiety disorders.

Prozac, also known as fluoxetine, is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). US experts estimate that one out of every ten persons takes an SSRI medication, and so do one out of every four women over forty and fifty. In rare circumstances, even children above the age of ten can use Prozac.

Since its introduction in the US in 1988, Prozac has become one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in the country. In addition to a delayed-release long-acting capsule, it is also available in liquid and tablet forms.

What are the uses of Prozac?

Prozac is a popular antidepressant.

The uses of Prozac in adults is for treatment of:

  • Major depressive episodes.
  • Obsessive-compulsive disorder.
  • Bulimia nervosa.
  • Agoraphobia and panic disorder.

Medical experts treat a child or teenager with moderate to severe depression with Prozac only when they are undergoing psychological therapy.

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    What are the side effects of Prozac?

    The FDA mandates that Prozac should carry warnings that antidepressants may raise the risk of suicide in persons under 25 years. Suicidal ideation can occur in children and young people.

    Other probable adverse effects are as follows:

    • Sexual dysfunction and reduced libido.
    • Anxiety.
    • Unusual dreams.
    • A loss of bodily power, characterized by excessive perspiration.
    • Diarrhea.
    • Skin rash.
    • Tremor.
    • Flu syndrome.
    • Insomnia, sleepiness, and yawning.
    • Dry mouth.
    • Vasodilation.

    Precautions:

    Do not use any other medications with fluoxetine (Prozac) without getting a medical opinion. 

    In some teens and young adults, Prozac may cause them to become anxious, irritated, or show other aberrant behaviors. Some persons may also develop suicidal ideas and inclinations or become more depressed.

    What is Prozac

    Uses of Prozac

    Side effects of Prozac

    References

    1. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11919662/
    2. https://www.usarx.com/drug/prozac/prozac-weight-gain
    3. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4629207/

    Disclaimer: The information provided herein is accurate, updated and complete as per the best practices of the Company. Please note that this information should not be treated as a replacement for physical medical consultation or advice. We do not guarantee the accuracy and the completeness of the information so provided. The absence of any information and/or warning to any drug shall not be considered and assumed as an implied assurance of the Company. We do not take any responsibility for the consequences arising out of the aforementioned information and strongly recommend you for a physical consultation in case of any queries or doubts.

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    Frequently Asked Questions about Prozac

    Yes, Prozac causes low potassium. The body has 98% of its potassium in intracellular fluid and 2% in extracellular fluid. Potassium plays a critical role in many metabolic functions. The sodium-potassium ATPase pump regulates this balance by moving ions across the cell membrane against a concentration gradient. In order to enhance neuronal excitability, you can block potassium. Fluoxetine (Prozac) inhibits Kv1-mediated currents in various potassium channels.

    Prozac is commonly associated with joint pain. Usually, joint discomfort affects hands, feet, hips, knees, or spine. It can occur temporarily or continuously. Symptoms include stiffness, aching, or soreness. Occasionally, patients report a burning, throbbing, or ‘grating’ sensation. Higher doses of fluoxetine can cause inflammation, cartilage reduction, and bone erosion. The symptoms are typically mild and temporary at small doses.

    Yes. According to a recent study, patients using Prozac for a long time experience weight gain. If you have gained weight following recovery from depression and were using Prozac, the latter is the reason. The antidepressant isn't always to blame for weight gain after starting an antidepressant. Several factors can contribute to weight gain during antidepressant therapy. Depressive disorders can cause weight gain if overeating or inactivity occur as a result. Depressive disorders can also cause weight loss. In turn, an improvement in mood may improve appetite, which may contribute to an increase in weight. As adults age, they tend to gain weight regardless of what medications they are taking.

    Prozac increases dopamine. Neurotransmitters include dopamine. Nerve cells communicate with one another using this chemical. Hence its name, chemical messenger. Dopamine contributes to our feeling of pleasure. Prozac has been observed to elevate extracellular concentrations of norepinephrine, dopamine, and serotonin in the prefrontal cortex, suggesting that it might be an atypical SSRI.

    Prozac, an antipsychotic medication, can calm and clear confusion in a person with acute psychosis within hours or days, but it may take up to four or six weeks to realize its full effects. Despite their ability to control symptoms, these medications will not cure the underlying cause. Antipsychotics can help prevent further episodes of psychosis when taken for an extended time. While Prozac isn't addictive, it can develop a dependency over time.

    Prozac is the most famous among the class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The drugs work by helping the brain continue to use more of the serotonin it produces, which helps control mood and reduce symptoms of depression. People can improve their quality of life and manage symptoms of depression with Prozac when combined with therapy and support. A variety of services can be useful for families, including family therapy, peer support, and school and job counselling.

    You may lose weight by stopping your Prozac if you decrease your daily calorie intake. If you feel food aversion with anxiety or depression and have stopped taking Prozac, you may lose weight. It indicates a relapse into a poor psychological state. Returning to a vigorous exercise routine once the side effect of fatigue vanishes can help accelerate weight loss.

    Prozac is used to cure panic disorder, a type of anxiety disorder. However, some patients do experience anxiety as an adverse effect. If you experience anxiety or any other mood or personality changes or have suicidal thoughts, consult our medical experts, and they will monitor you closely while on Prozac.

    Positive responses to Prozac may reduce anxiety symptoms and a return to feeling like yourself, the ability to fall asleep, and a greater sense of purpose in life. You will find yourself energetic.

    Please keep in mind that it may take up to 12 weeks for these changes to become apparent. As a result, it may be difficult to observe improvements until the adverse effects subside.

    No. It is important to note that Xanax and Prozac belong to distinct classes of medications.

    Prozac is used for long-term depressions, while Xanax is used for short-term therapy for anxiety. Sometimes patients take both to help anxiety and depression.
    S.no Product Name Dosage Form
    1. Fludac Fluoxetine 20mg Capsule
    2. Prodep Fluoxetine 20mg Capsule
    3. Flunil Fluoxetine 20mg Capsule
    4. Floatin Fluoxetine 20mg Capsule
    5. Prozac Fluoxetine 20mg Capsule