Prozac

While taking this medication, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Prozac, discontinue use of the medication and notify your doctor immediately.

Prozac should be used with caution if you have a history of mania or seizures. You should discuss all of your medical conditions with your doctor before taking this medication.

Prozac can occasionally cause decreased appetite and weight loss, especially in depressed people who are already underweight and in those with bulimia. If you notice changes in your weight or appetite, tell your doctor.

Antidepressants such as Prozac could potentially cause stomach bleeding, especially when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen, naproxen, and ketoprofen. Consult your doctor before combining Prozac with NSAIDs or blood-thinning medications.

There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in people who received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while taking Prozac. To date, there are no clinical studies establishing the benefit of combined treatment with Prozac and ECT.

As with other SSRIs, Prozac therapy should be slowly tapered instead of abruptly stopped. If abruptly discontinued, drowsiness, irritability, agitation, anxiety, headache, and insomnia may occur.

Possible food and drug interactions when taking Prozac

Never take Prozac with MAO inhibitors or thioridazine (see "Most important fact about this drug").

Do not drink alcohol while taking this medication.

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: