How does Generic Prozac work?

The drug is metabolized in the liver and it becomes greatly available in the blood plasma especially to the protein albumin. The drug is found in maximum concentration and effect in around 6-8 hours. It takes the drug nearly 6 days to get out of the body after stopping intake. The metabolism of the drug yields norfluoxetine, which is the only biologically active compound of the drug responsible for its effects.

How to Take Generic Prozac?

The drug is usually prescribed in tablets and capsules or as syrup and the concentration is chosen only by a physician depending on the patient's age, sex, weight and health status. In general 20 mg/day is the common adult dosage. The drug is suited for oral intake. The drug has various side effects and hence it should not be taken unless prescribed by a physician. It may be taken with or without food.

Side Effects.

Even though this drug is well tolerated by most individuals there is a wide spectrum of side effects possible with this drug. Inability to sit still or remain motionless, anxiety, fever, a feeling of weakness without actual loss of strength, nausea, diarrhea, vasodilatation, loss of appetite, dry mouth, chronic or recurrent pain or discomfort centered in the upper abdomen, insomnia or drowsiness, tremors, nervousness, dilated pupils, hives, rashes, sweating, seizures, painful or burning sensation in the chest, aggressiveness and irritability are some of the effects that have been noticed in the drug users. If any of these effects are noticed highly on usage of the drug then it must be reported to the physician and the dosage limited. There have been associated systematic conditions, which have followed usage of this drug like liver and kidney dysfunction and if untreated it may even lead to death. There have even been reports of sexual dysfunction, anorgasmia and impotence.

Precautions and Interactions.

The drug should not be used with triptans, tramadol or other serotonergic agents as their combination can cause a potentially life-threatening adverse drug reaction most commonly referred to as serotonin syndrome and can lead to death. Since this is a drug that is excreted on lactating milk it is not advised for lactating mothers and even for pregnant women. The drug is not suited for patients who are mentally instable as it has a tendency to make them suicidal.

Dosage.

Over dosage of Prozac have various adverse effects like abnormal accommodation, abnormal gait, confusion, unresponsiveness, nervousness, pulmonary dysfunction, vertigo, tremor, elevated blood pressure, impotence, movement disorder, seizures, sleepiness, nausea, rapid rate of heart beat, elevated mood, increased activity, decreased need for sleep, grandiosity, racing thoughts, and vomiting. It is advisable to consult a physician whenever a person is overdosed with Prozac.

Storage.

It can be stored in normal room temperature away from heat and moisture and should be locked airtight. It must be kept out of reach of children.