Prozac (fluoxetine) Treatment
With a gaining popularity of fluoxetine for the treatment of a wide range of disorders, alcoholism is one of the new additions. Despite not having been approved by the FDA as a treatment for alcoholism, research is continuing to be performed on it possibility as a treatment option. Studies have shown a reduced intake of 15-20% in patients without a background of depression. However, there hasn't been a clear indication that SSRI's are effective in alcohol dependent individuals as opposed to mild or moderate drinkers.
What are the Uses?: Fluoxetine, or Prozac, introduced in 1978, is a medication that is used to treat:
- Depression
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Bulimia Nervosa
Prozac is a SSRI that works by restoring levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, thereby relieving depression symptoms.
When Will My Medication Start to Work?: Usually, you should start feeling better within one to four weeks. It may take longer to experience the full effects of Prozac, which depends on dosage and varies from person to person.
Any Other Important Information?: If you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss the potential risks of this or any medication with your doctor.
Prozac is present in breast milk so avoiding the medication or discontinuing nursing is advised.
Inform your doctor if you have impaired liver or kidney function, have Parkinson's Disease, had a history of psychosis, have a seizure disorder, or are pregnant or plan to be pregnant while taking Prozac.
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Avoid grapefruit juice when taking Prozac due to the increased blood levels. What are the Side Effects?: Remember that only some people will experience side effects--and that no one experiences side effects in exactly the same way. If you experience any side effects, contact your doctor or clinician right away and continue taking your medication. The following list may not contain all of the side effects associated with this medication: |
Most common side effect |
decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, altered taste, insomnia, headache |
| Infrequent side effects | blurred vision, anxiety, nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, anorexia, impaired erection |
Rare side effects/Risks |
hypomania, seizures, tremor |
Most common side effect decreased appetite, weight loss, nausea, altered taste, insomnia, headache
Infrequent side effects blurred vision, anxiety, nervousness, drowsiness, dizziness, excessive sweating, anorexia, impaired erection
Rare side effects/Risks hypomania, seizures, tremor
Are there any Drug Interactions?: Remember, always follow your physician's recommendations on how to take your medication. Even if you are taking one of the following substances, continue taking your medication as prescribed and consult your physician. Also, if you are taking any herbal remedies, vitamins, and/or over-the-counter medications, be sure to tell your physician. The following section offers some, but not necessarily all, of the possible drug interactions.
Do NOT take Prozac if you are taking MAO Inhibitors or have discontinued taking MAO Inhibitors for less than 14 days; serious, even fatal, interactions have occurred when these medications have been taken together. Prozac may increase the effects of Valium(diazepam), Digitoxin/digoxin(digitalis preparations), Dilantin(phenytoin), and Coumadin(warfarin). Antidiabetic drugs taken with Zoloft may increase the risk of hypoglycemic reactions. Clozaril(clozapine), Haldol(haloperidol), and Claritin(loratadine) levels increase when taken with Prozac. Dextromethorphan(cough suppressant) and Toradol(ketorolac) may result in hallucinations when taken with Prozac. Lithium, tryptophan, and Eldepryl(selegiline) may result in drug toxicity. Ultram(tramadol) may increase seizure risk.
Alcohol does not seem to produce adverse effects when taken with Prozac; however, some physicians may advise depressed patients to avoid alcohol due to the possible adverse reactions such patients may have with alcohol.