Side Effects, Interactions, and Risks
Verywell / Cindy Chung
What Is Prozac?
It is part of a class of medications known asselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
This article discusses how Prozac works and what you should know before taking it.
Verywell / Cindy Chung
It also covers potential side effects, interactions, withdrawal symptoms, and other medications you might consider.
How Prozac Works
As an SSRI, Prozac works by preventing the brain from reabsorbing naturally occurringserotonin.
Serotonin is involved in mood regulation.
Research also highlights how medications such as Prozac may help in combination with psychotherapy.
However, you must follow a number of steps to get a prescription.
Generally, a healthcare provider mustdiagnose you with a mental health disorderbefore prescribing Prozac or any other prescription treatment.
The maximum dose is 80 mg a day.
It can be taken as a liquid or capsule and should be used as prescribed.
Take the medication only as prescribed by a doctor or psychiatrist.
Stopping suddenly could be dangerous and causewithdrawal symptoms.
Side Effects of Prozac
Some side effects of Prozac are more likely than others.
Some people notice that side effects lessen over time, or become less bothersome.
If you have concerns about the safety of taking Prozac, discuss them with a healthcare provider.
You should also allow at least five weeks after stopping Prozac before starting an MAOI.
The antipsychotics pimozide and thioridazine also increase the risk involved in taking Prozac.
John’s wort).
Be sure to tell your prescribing physician about everything that you are taking.
Recap
Taking Prozac with other medications or supplements can lead to drug interactions.
Always tell your doctor about any other medications you are taking before you begin taking Prozac for anxiety.
Who Should Not Take Prozac
Prozac can be passed to babies during pregnancy and through breast milk.
There are also some potential risks for people aged 65 or older that should be discussed with a doctor.
The safety and effectiveness of Prozac in children younger than 18 years of age has also not been established.
Prozac may also activatemaniain people who are prone to it.
Close monitoring by a healthcare provider is important.
In these individuals, the drug may lead to suicidal thoughts or worsening of these types of thoughts.
If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor.
If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.
For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.
Prozac should always be tapered off to avoid withdrawal effects.
It is often most effective when combined with psychotherapy.
Communication is key to ensuring that this medication is used in an appropriate way for maximum effectiveness.
Frequently Asked Questions
As Prozac begins to work, you may notice increases in your energy levels.
In some cases, it may cause symptoms of mania in some people taking this medication.
Symptoms of mania include high energy levels, racing thoughts, trouble sleeping, and irritability.
You should talk to your doctor if you notice such symptoms while taking Prozac.
If you stop taking your medication too soon, it may lead to a relapse of symptoms.
You should never stop taking your medication without talking to your doctor first.
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