It belongs to the class of drugs calledselective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
However, children and adolescents 8 and older can safely take it for MDD.
Prozac belongs to the class of medications called SSRIs.
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It works by inhibiting the reabsorption ofserotonin(a neutral chemical in the brain) and increasing its levels.
The high serotonin levels carry signals between neurons, providing the sensation of happiness and reducing depression disorder.
Young adults, teenagers, and children may experience worsening depression and may be more likely to become suicidal.
Close monitoring and emotional help can ease the symptoms in these people to avoid any harm.
How Quickly Does Prozac Work?
Prozac shows some improvement in sleep, energy, or appetite within one to two weeks.
Prozac may take four to five weeks or longer to improve a person’s symptoms or achieve therapeutic effects.
Such factors include the following:
Continue to take Prozac even if you feel well.
Do not stop taking it without talking to your healthcare provider.
Sudden discontinuation of Prozac may cause withdrawal symptoms.
How Effective Is Prozac?
SSRIs are effective in treating the symptoms of depression.
Available data indicates that improvement from Prozac treatment predominantly occurs within the first two weeks.
Dosing Guidelines
Take Prozac exactly as prescribed by your healthcare provider.
Do not take it for the conditions other than prescribed.
Your healthcare provider will determine the most suitable dose for you.
Side Effects & Safety
Prozac is an effective drug when used as prescribed.
However, like other SSRI medications, it carries both common and mild and rare and severe side effects.
Therefore, closely monitor yourself or a loved one for the potential emergence of any adverse effects.
Finally, per its boxed warning, be acutely aware of the emergence of suicidal thoughts or tendencies.
Monitor a child’s growth carefully.
Talk to your child’s healthcare provider about the risks of giving Prozac to your child.
Who Should Avoid Prozac?
Also, wait at leastfive weeksafter stopping Prozac before you might take thioridazine or an MAOI.
Your healthcare provider may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
Summary
Depression and anxiety disorders can negatively affect the quality of life.
Because Prozac takes several weeks to work, dosing guidelines must be followed closely.
Keep all medications away from the sight and reach of children and pets.
Store Prozac tablets in a tightly closed container away from heat and moisture.
Do not flush this medication down the toilet or throw it away in the trash.
The best way to dispose of your medication is through a medicine take-back program.
Ask your pharmacist or contact your local waste management department in your community.
Depression is more than just feeling down or having a bad day.
It may interfere with everyday functioning and affect you very badly if it lasts long.
In general one out of every six adults will have depression at some time.
According to statistics, depression affects nearly 16 million American adults every year.
Anxiety disorders often go hand in hand with depression.
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