Are You Taking Prozac?

Prozac is a medical treatment used primarily for depression and other similar mental disorders. Prozac affects chemicals within the brain that can become unbalanced and cause depression, panic, anxiety or OCD. If you have been prescribed with Prozac you may be suffering from any one of these conditions or a similar disorder.

Safety with Prozac

Before you begin your Prozac treatment it is important to note the following safety guidance:

1. Do not take Prozac with pimoxide, thioridazine or monoamine oxidase inhibitors. Talk to your doctor if you are taking other medications for further advice before you start your Prozac treatment.

2. Once you begin your Prozac treatment your doctor will want to see you for regular check ups to monitor your health and progress. Make sure you do not miss these appointments especially if you are younger than 24 years of age or in the first few weeks of taking the medication.

3. Remember that whilst taking any anti-depressant (including Prozac), you may actually feel much worse in the first few weeks before you begin to feel better.

4. Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any side effects or new symptoms whilst taking Prozac.

5. If you become pregnant whilst taking Prozac talk to your doctor immediately. Do not stop taking the medication as a sudden stop can result in severe withdrawal symptoms. If you plan to become pregnant or are already pregnant you should not take Prozac.

How to take Prozac

When you are prescribed with Prozac your doctor will discuss with you the recommended dose you should take. You should take Prozac exactly as your doctor instructs and never in larger amounts or longer than you have been prescribed. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose following a check up to ensure you obtain the best results from your medication.

Do not break, chew or open any Prozac capsule, swallow the pill whole to ensure it is properly released slowly into the body. If you have been prescribed a liquid form of Prozac, measure out your dose carefully with the provided measuring spoon or cup. Do not use a table spoon or teaspoon to measure out your medication as these can be highly inaccurate. If you have not been provided with a measuring device with your prescription, talk to your pharmacist who will be able to provide you with one.

Do not expect immediate results from your medication. It may take a few weeks before you start to feel better and you may even feel worse during these first few weeks. Do not stop taking Prozac without first consulting your doctor. Your doctor will organize a lower dose of the medication to gently wean you from the drug. If you stop taking Prozac suddenly you may experience severe side effects and withdrawal symptoms. Keep your Prozac at room temperature and store it away from direct sunlight or heat.

Is Prozac Right For You?

Prozac has helped millions of people worldwide to overcome depression and other mental disorders. However, Prozac is not for everyone so make sure you talk to your doctor about Prozac before taking this medication.

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