Fluoxetine (Systemic)
Brand Names : Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Sarafem
Proper Use of This MedicineTake this medicine only as directed by your doctor
, to benefit your
condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more
often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.
If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with food.
If you are taking fluoxetine for depression, it may
take 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Also, you may need
to keep taking this medicine for 6 months or longer to stop the depression
from returning
. If you are taking fluoxetine for
obsessive-compulsive disorder, it may take 5 weeks or longer before you begin
to get better
. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits
during this time.
If you are taking fluoxetine for bulimia nervosa, you
may begin to get better after 1 week
. However, it may take 4 weeks
or longer before you get better.
Dosing - The dose of fluoxetine will be different for
different patients and for different medical problems. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label
. The following
information includes only the average doses of fluoxetine. If your dose is different, do not change it
unless your doctor tells
you to do so: The number of capsules or teaspoonfuls of solution that you take depends
on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of
doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of
time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are
taking fluoxetine
.
-
For oral
dosage forms (capsules or solution):
-
For depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder:
-
Adults - At first, usually 20 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as
a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose if needed.
However, the dose usually is not more than 80 mg a day. Once your depression
is under control, your doctor may wish to change you to a weekly dose. In
this case, you will usually take a 90-mg capsule as a single dose one day
per week.
-
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For bulimia nervosa:
-
Adults - Usually 60 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as a single
dose in the morning. Your doctor may start with a lower dose and increase
it gradually. The dose usually is not more than 80 mg a day.
-
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
-
For premenstrual dysphoric disorder:
-
Adults - At first, usually 20 milligrams (mg) a day, taken as
a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may increase the dose if needed.
However, the dose usually is not more than 80 mg a day.
-
Children - Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
Missed dose - If you miss a dose of this medicine, it is not
necessary to make up the missed dose. Skip the missed dose and continue with
your next scheduled dose. Do not double doses.
Storage - To store this medicine:
-
Keep out of the reach of children.
-
Store away from heat and direct light.
-
Keep the oral solution form of this medicine from freezing.
-
Do not store in the bathroom, near the kitchen sink, or in other
damp places. Heat or moisture may cause the medicine to break down.
-
Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed. Be sure
that any discarded medicine is out of the reach of children.
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