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Prozac : Some things you need
to know
Prozac depression
medication- Important
facts about this depression medication
 Some
very serious, sometimes fatal reactions have been known to occur when Prozac is
used in conjunction with some of the other depression medications such as the
MAO inhibitors Nardil and Parnate, or when Prozac is discontinued and an MAO
inhibitor is then started immediately. Never take Prozac within at least 14
days of discontinuing therapy with an MAO inhibitor. It is recommended that you
usually allow five weeks or more between stopping Prozac and starting an MAO
inhibitor. Also, you’ll need to be very cautious when you have been taking
Prozac in high doses for a long period of time. If you are taking any other
type of depression medication, prescription or nonprescription drugs, notify
your doctor before beginning Prozac.
Prozac:
When it should not be taken
Prozac should never be taken
if you have had an allergic reaction to it or similar depression medications
such as Paxil and Zoloft. Also, as previously mentioned, this medication should
never be taken with MAO inhibitors or if you’ve ever had any other significant
drug reactions.
Prozac:
Special precautions
Prozac should never be taken
if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you have liver disease or
diabetes. It may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may also become a
factor in reducing your judgment. You should always beware of any activities
such as driving our operating dangerous machinery that requires a very high
level of alertness when taking Prozac.
Prozac has been found to be
the cause of dizziness or lightheadedness or actual fainting when getting up
from a lying down position. If getting up more slowly does not help the
situation you should contact your doctor immediately. Also, you should use
Prozac with caution if you have a history of seizures. Always discuss all of
your medical conditions with your doctor before taking this depression
medication. If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Prozac,
discontinue use of the medication and notify your doctor immediately.
Finally, the safety and
effectiveness of Prozac has not been established for use with children.
By Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
 Information provided by
The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition
See additional Prozac pictures and dosages
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