Prozac Side Effects

Prozac is the trade name for 'Fluoxetine', which is an antidepressant. Prozac belongs to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs. Prozac and other serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. This helps to maintain the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the neurotransmitter, which can affect mood. A low level of serotonin has been found to be associated with depression. This is the reason why SSRIs like, it is used to treat depression. Along with depression, it is indicated or approved for the treatment of obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is one of the oldest, but still widely used medication for major depression. However, like any other depression medications, it can also cause certain side effects.

Prozac Dangers
The most common side effects of Prozac are:

• Insomnia
• Nausea
• Headache
• Diarrhea
• Loss of appetite
• Anxiety and nervousness
• Drowsiness
• Tremor
• Dry mouth
• Indigestion
• Constipation
• Flushing or redness of the skin
• Vomiting
• Fever or chill
• Unexplained weight loss or weight gain
• Dizziness
• Excessive perspiration
• Urinary retention

Along with these usual side effects, Prozac can sometimes cause a serious condition, known as serotonin syndrome. The risk for developing this condition is more, if Prozac is taken along with certain other drugs like, triptans, other SSRIs, tryptophan, lithium and serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) drugs. The signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include

• Confusion
• Hallucinations
• Dizziness
• Loss of coordination
• Restlessness
• Irregular heart rhythm
• Agitation and shakiness
• Unexplained fever
• Severe nausea, vomiting and diarrhea
• Overactive reflexes
• Seizures

Sometimes it may cause bloody stool, muscle weakness and spasms, and fainting. People allergic to this drug can experience itching, hives, unexplained swelling of the mouth, throat and tongue, wheezing and breathing difficulty.

Prozac Risks for Men
It can cause several sexual side effects in both men and women. It can cause ejaculatory problems in men, besides decreasing libido. It can also cause impotence or erectile dysfunction in men. Rarely, men can get a condition, known as priapism while using Prozac. This condition is characterized by painful erection of the penis that can last for several hours. If left untreated, the condition can eventually cause permanent damage to the penis.

Prozac Risks for Women
It can cause both weight loss and unusual weight gain along with causing many other side effects in women. Like men, women can experience decreased libido while taking this antidepressant. Pregnant women should especially not take this medication without their physicians' approval. It belongs to the pregnancy category C. Taking this medication during pregnancy can increase the risk for developing life-threatening lung problems for the newborn babies. Therefore, physicians recommend this drug, only when they feel that the benefits to the mother outweigh the risk to the fetus. The drug is also not recommended for the nursing mothers, as it is excreted in breast milk.

Along with these side effects, it can cause a very serious condition, especially in teenagers. It can increase suicidal tendency in individuals younger than 25 years of age. Adolescents and teenagers should never use this drug without consulting their health care provider. People suffering from some underlying health conditions, as well as those taking certain medications should inform their physicians about it before taking this medicine. In general, it should not be used along with pimozide, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, aspirin, sibutramine and thioridazine, while people suffering from diabetes, kidney diseases, epilepsy and seizures, bipolar disorder, liver cirrhosis and suicidal tendency should always talk to their physician prior to taking this drug. Lastly, if you observe these side effects and anxiety or unusual mood changes, then inform your physician, as soon as possible.