Prozac – Side Effects, Mode of Action, Price in Pakistan.

Prozac is a brand name for the antidepressant drug fluoxetine. It belongs to a class of medications known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Prozac is used primarily to treat depression, but it is also used to treat a variety of other conditions, including Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), Bulimia Nervosa, and Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). 

• Marketed By: Eli-Lilly Pakistan (Pvt) Ltd 
• Drug Class: Antidepressant
• Salt: Fluoxetine 20mg 
• Product Form: Capsule 

Price of Prozac in Pakistan:

The price of Prozac ranges between 850 to 950 PKR. The price can vary depending on the manufacturer.

Mode of Action of Prozac:

The mode of action of Prozac (fluoxetine) is that it works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical that is involved in regulating mood, anxiety, and other emotional states. When serotonin is released from one neuron and transmitted to another, some of it is taken back up by the first neuron in a process called reuptake.

Prozac prevents the reuptake of serotonin, which means that more of the neurotransmitter is available to bind to the receptors on other neurons in the brain. This leads to an increase in serotonin activity, which is believed to regulate mood and reduce symptoms of depression and anxiety.

Fluoxetine (Prozac) dosage forms:

• Bottle Of Oral Solution – 120ml of 20mg/5ml

• Capsule – 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg

• Package – 4 capsules of 90mg

• Tablet – 10mg/20mg

How should you take Prozac? 

Prozac (fluoxetine) should be taken exactly as prescribed by the doctor. 

• It is usually taken once a day, either in the morning or evening, with or without food.
• The dosage and duration of treatment will depend on the condition being treated and the patient’s response to the medication. 
• It is important to continue taking Prozac even if you start feeling better, as it may take several weeks of consistent use to see the full therapeutic effects.
• When discontinuing the medication, a doctor will typically gradually taper the dosage over several weeks to minimize the risk of withdrawal symptoms.
• If a dose of Prozac is missed, it should be taken as soon as possible, unless it’s close to the time for the next dose. In that case, the missed dose should be skipped, and the regular dosing schedule should be resumed. 
• Do not take extra medication to make up for a missed dose.

Side Effects of using Prozac:

Like all medications, Prozac (fluoxetine) can cause side effects. Some common side effects of Prozac include:

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Dry mouth
• Sweating
• Tremors or shakiness
• Loss of appetite
• Weight loss or gain
• Sexual dysfunction

These side effects are usually mild and go away on their own after a few days or weeks of treatment. .

In rare cases, Prozac can cause more serious side effects, including:

• Seizures
• Allergic reaction

Hence, if any of these side effects persist or become severe, you should contact your doctor.

Warnings associated with Prozac:

Some of the warnings associated with Prozac include:

• Suicidal thoughts and behavior: Prozac may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in children, adolescents, and young adults. Anyone taking Prozac should be closely monitored for changes in mood or behavior.
• Serotonin syndrome: Prozac may increase serotonin levels in the body, which can lead to a potentially life-threatening condition known as serotonin syndrome. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome include agitation, hallucinations, confusion, fever, sweating, rapid heart rate, and muscle stiffness.
• Abnormal bleeding: Prozac may increase the risk of bleeding, especially in people taking blood-thinning medications. Anyone taking Prozac should be cautious when engaging in activities that may result in injury or bleeding.
• Mania or hypomania: Prozac may cause or worsen manic episodes in people with bipolar disorder. Anyone taking Prozac who experiences symptoms of mania or hypomania, such as extreme energy, impulsiveness, or reckless behavior, should seek medical attention immediately.
• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Prozac may pose a risk to a developing fetus or a nursing infant. Anyone who is pregnant or breastfeeding should discuss the risks and benefits of taking Prozac with their healthcare provider.

Does Prozac interact with other medicines? 

 Some medications that can interact with Prozac include:

• Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Other antidepressants
• Antipsychotics
• Anti-anxiety medications
• Blood thinners
• Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
• Medications that affect the liver, such as cimetidine or ketoconazole
• Medications that affect heart rhythm, such as flecainide or quinidine
• Certain antibiotics, such as erythromycin or linezolid

These are not the only medications that can interact with Prozac, so it is essential to inform your doctor of all medications you are taking. They can help determine if there are any potential interactions and adjust your medication regimen as needed.

Caution: Avoid alcohol while taking Prozac, as alcohol can increase the risk of side effects.

Who should not take Prozac? 

You should avoid taking Prozac if you are;

• Allergic to fluoxetine or any other ingredients in the medication.
• Taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) or who have taken an MAOI within the past two weeks.
• Have a history of seizures or epilepsy.
• Have a history of bipolar disorder, as Prozac may induce a manic episode.
• Taking medications that affect heart rhythm, as Prozac may also affect heart rhythm
• Pregnant or breastfeeding, as Prozac may have potential risks to the developing fetus or nursing infant

Prozac should be used with caution in individuals with a history of bleeding disorders or who are taking medications that affect blood clotting.

It is recommended to consult with best psychiatrist before using Prozac as they can hep you better in treating your condition.

FAQs:

1. Does Prozac cause hair loss?

Hair loss is not a common side effect of Prozac (fluoxetine), but it has been reported in rare cases. According to the prescribing information for Prozac, less than 1% of patients who took the medication in clinical trials experienced hair loss. It is possible that some individuals may be more susceptible to hair loss as a side effect of Prozac.

2. At what age is Prozac safe?

Prozac (fluoxetine) is a medication that is approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder in adults. Prozac is also approved for the treatment of depression and OCD in children and adolescents aged 8 to 18 years old.