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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
General Anesthetics: - Since little is known about the interaction between fluoxetine and general anesthetics, fluoxetine should be discontinued for as long as clinically possible prior to elective su
rgery.
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Other medical problems
Children¡XThis medicine has been tested in a limited number of children 7 to 18 years of age. These studies indicate that Prozac may help to treat depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder in child
en. However, unusual excitement, restlessness, irritability, and trouble in sleeping may be especially likely to occur in children, who seem to be more sensitive than adults to the effects of Prozac.
Prozac must be used with caution in children with depression. Studies have shown occurrences of children thinking about suicide or attempting suicide in clinical trials for this medicine. More study i
s needed to be sure Prozac is safe and effective in children.
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Precautions
Geriatrics: - Elderly patients should initially receive fluoxetine in low dosage with slow progressive increases only if required and tolerated. Patients who have concomitant systemic illnesses or who
are receiving other drugs concomitantly should be under careful observation at all dosage levels.
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Side Effects
Side effects from Prozac are common:
- upset stomach
- drowsiness
- weakness or tiredness
- excitement or anxiety
- insomnia
- nightmares
- dry mouth
- ski
n more sensitive to sunlight than usual
- changes in appetite or weight
Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:
- constipation
- difficult
y urinating
- frequent urination
- blurred vision
- changes in sex drive or ability
- excessive sweating
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Possible food and drug interactions when taking this medication
When you are taking Prozac, it is especially important that your health care professional know if you are taking any of the following:
- Alprazolam (e.g., Xanax)¡XHigher blood levels of alpr
zolam may occur and its effects may be increased
- Anticoagulants (blood thinners) or
- Digitalis glycosides (heart medicine)¡XHigher or lower blood levels of these medicines or Prozac may
cur, increasing the chance of unwanted effects. Your doctor may need to see you more often, especially when you first start or when you stop taking Prozac. Your doctor also may need to change the dose
of either medicine
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Description
In addition, Prozac is used to treat panic disorder, including panic associated with agoraphobia (a severe fear of being in crowds or public places). People with panic disorder usually suffer from pan
ic attacks--feelings of intense fear that develop suddenly, often for no reason. Various symptoms occur during the attacks, including a rapid or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, trembling, an
d shortness of breath.
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