Prozac for Anxiety: Uses and Side Effects

March 12, 2010

Prozac anxiety medication has also been used for depression. You will need to learn about its side effects.

Why Is It Used

Prozac is primarily used in the treatment of depression that interferes with a persons daily functioning. The symptoms of this serious form of depression is a change in sleep habits, appetite and coordination. However, Prozac is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. Obsessive-compulsive disorder is an obsession that won't go away and causes a compulsive act to be done over and over again in order for a person to relieve their anxiety.

Prozac is also used to help treat panic disorders including those involved in phobias. Those with intense phobias or panic disorders often have panic attack. The symptoms that occur during these panic attacks include rapid heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, trembling and a shortness of breath.

Important Facts About Prozac

The most important fact that people should be aware of regarding Prozac is the fact that there have been serious and on occasion fatal reactions for those that are taking it along with other antidepressant drugs that are referred to as MAO inhibitors. These reactions are also know to occur if Prozac is discontinued right before a person starts taking an MAO inhibitor. You should wait fourteen days after taking an MAO inhibitor before using Prozac and wait five or more weeks after stopping Prozac before taking any MAO inhibitors. If you are taking any prescription drugs you should talk with your doctor before using Prozac.

How to Take Prozac

Whenever taking any prescription medications it is best to take them exactly as your doctor prescribes them. Prozac is normally prescribed to be taken once or twice a day. In order to gain the effects of Prozac you should be very regular in taking the medication. To make sure you take it regularly it is a good idea to take it at the same time of another daily activity so you don't forget it.

If you are taking Prozac it may take up to four weeks before you start seeing in changes in your symptoms. However, if you stop taking Prozac after a three month treatment program than you will still have the effects for nine more months. For use against obsessive-compulsive disorder it may even take up to five weeks or longer before effects are noticed.

If you forget to take a dose then be sure to do so as soon as you remember. However, if several hours have passed then you should probably skip the dose. It is never a good idea to try to catch up on your medicine by doubling the dose. When storing Prozac be sure to keep it at room temperature.

Side Effects of Prozac

There is no way to know if you are going to have side effects to Prozac. However, if you notice any change or symptoms intensify then it is always a good idea to contact your doctor immediately to see if they are side effects related to Prozac.

Some of the most common side effects to Prozac include: abnormal dream and vision, anxiety, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headaches, impotence, insomnia, itching, decreased appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sinus problems, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness and yawning.

If you have had allergic reactions to similar products such as Paxil or Zoloft then it is probably not a good idea to take Prozac and you should talk to your doctor. It is also not a good idea to take Prozac if you have had a heart attack, liver disease or diabetes unless you doctor approves.

Because Prozac may cause drowsiness or impair your judgment it is a good idea to avoid operating heavy machinery or driving while you are on Prozac. If you become dizzy when taking Prozac then you should notify your doctor.

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