Prozac side effects : Things to be aware of

What are the main Prozac side effects? 

While Prozac side effects cannot really be anticipated, if any develop or worsen over time you need to contact your physician immediately.  Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Prozac. 

The most common Prozac side effects may include: 

Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, anxiety, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning 

Less common Prozac side effects may include: 

Abnormal taste, agitation, bleeding problems, chills, confusion, ear pain, emotional instability, fever, frequent urination, high blood pressure, increased appetite, loss of memory, palpitations, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, weight gain 

There had been a variety of other very rare reactions which have been reported during Prozac therapy.  If you develop any new or unexplained symptoms please contact your doctor immediately. 

In addition to the Prozac side effects mentioned above there are possible food and drug interactions while taking this medicine which should be avoided. As mentioned on previous pages, Prozac should never be combined with MAO inhibitors.  This is very dangerous.  If Prozac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered.  It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Prozac with the following:

Alprazolam (Xanax)

Carbamazepine (Tegretol)

Clozapine (Clozaril)

Diazepam (Valium)

Digitoxin (Crystodigin)

Drugs that impair brain function, such as sleep aids and narcotic painkillers

Flecainide (Tambocor)

Haloperidol (Haldol)

Lithium (Eskalith)

Other antidepressants (Elavil)

Phenytoin (Dilantin)

Pimozide (Orap)

Tryptophan

Vinblastine (Velban)

Warfarin (Coumadin)

Special warning if you are pregnant or breast-feeding: 

The effects of Prozac during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant in the near future talk to your doctor as soon as possible about the use of Prozac.  This medication appears in breast milk, and breast-feeding is not recommended while you are taking Prozac.