Prozac also known as Fluoxetine is drug approved by the American Food and Drug Association for the treatment of Depression and other disorders associated with eating habits, premenstrual problems and panic attacks. The drug is believed to improve on the symptoms of depression which include suicidal thoughts, insomnia and lack of interest in certain activities. Prozac can only be administered to patients who have been diagnosed by a competent physician and proven to be suffering from depression. Using the drug for other purposes other than as prescribed by a certified doctor may lead to dangerous health problems.
Depression is a mental disorder associated with mood swings and certain behavioral changes. Symptoms of depression vary in women and men. There are however universally known symptoms of depression which include lack of appetite or heightened appetite, hypersomnia or insomnia, feelings of sadness and lack of hope in life among others. The symptoms may also occur due to other factors such as drug abuse, medication or other disorders. It is advisable to take a patient for a check up to be determined whether they are suffering from other disorders or depression before taking Prozac.
Before taking Prozac for the treatment of depression symptoms, it is highly recommended for the patient to consult a doctor to determine whether the patient can use the drug without any complications. Patients may have certain allergic reactions to some of its ingredients. Taking Fluoxetine without reading the instructions properly may lead to health complications. A dose of Prozac should be taken according to the prescription because overdosing or taking an under dose may lead to worsening of the condition. If the patient experiences symptoms of the condition worsening, it is advisable to contact the doctor immediately. Fluoxetine doses should not be quit abruptly because this may lead to withdrawal complications.
Prozac is taken orally as advised by the doctor. Using Prozac to treat depressive cases can only be determined by a doctor because the effectiveness of the drug depends on the patient’s response to medication and the type of disorder. Some patients have a higher response to certain drugs than others therefore seeking assistance from a specialist is highly recommended to determine the use of Prozac or other methods to treat depression. Depression can also be treated by a process known as psychotherapy which involves counseling. If using Prozac does not make the patient feel better then they should check their doctor for further instructions and advice on other options.
The use of Prozac in the treatment of depression can lead to some side effects. Some of the pronounced side effects include drowsiness, bleeding especially in seniors and dizziness. When a patient is on Fluoxetine it is advisable to avoid performing duties that require them to be highly alert such as driving. Prozac used to treat depression in liquid form contains some amount of alcohol and hence the patient should avoid alcohol intake because the drug may heighten the effect of alcohol. Prozac is present in breast milk and can lead to complications for the baby being breastfed.
