Most Women have to deal with depression or other mental disorders for various reasons that may affect their day-to-day activities. Fortunately, there is available one of the best medications to treat various mental health conditions namely, Prozac. Today this blog mainly focuses on Prozac side effects in women and how to deal with them.
Prozac is a branded drug and contains the ingredients fluoxetine and its side effects may be such as headache, nausea, and so on.
Fluoxetine is a member of the drug family, of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). This functions by managing the level of serotonin in the brain.
What is Prozac?
Prozac is an antidepressant belonging to the family of SSRIs and is used in the treatment of various mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, i.e., an eating disorder, and so on.
It increases the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is known to maintain different moods experienced by individuals and behaves like a ‘feel good’ chemical. It is also said to create a positive effect on emotions and sleep.
Fluoxetine has helped many people recover from depression, and its side effects are less when compared with other antidepressants. The drug is available only on prescription. It comes in the form of capsules, tablets, or a liquid that can be swallowed.
Uses of Prozac Drug:
Prozac Dosages can be used in the treatment of-
1) Obsessions and compulsions in patients with OCD.
2) To treat Binge-eating disorder and signs of vomiting in patients with moderate to severe Bulimia Nervosa.
3) Acute treatment of panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia.
Classification of Prozac Side Effects in Women:
Like all drugs, fluoxetine can cause side effects in Women. This may include serotonin syndrome and changes in mood and behavior patterns. If such symptoms persist, it is better to get in touch with the healthcare provider immediately.
Below are some Prozac side effects that women have to deal with and the ways they can be effectively treated :
1) Common Side Effects
a) Headache
In such a case, make sure you drink lots of water and avoid taking alcohol. After taking fluoxetine for a week, headaches usually go on its own. If the headache lasts for more than a week or is critical, talk to your doctor.
b) Felling of Sickness (nausea)
Fluoxetine can be taken after food. It is better to eat simple meals and avoid extra salt and more oily foods.
c) Felling of Weakness
Avoid doing any heavy work like carrying heavy loads, gardening work, and taking long walks. Avoid alcoholic drinks. If taking fluoxetine makes you feel weak, take some rest or lie down on the bed for some time.
Other common side effects may include, dry mouth, rashes, sweating, loss of appetite leading to weight loss, mild allergic reaction, and sexual side effects such as reduced libido.
You can talk to a doctor or a pharmacist if the side effects are still causing problems.
2) Severe Prozac Side Effects in Women
Serious side effects can include:
1) Serotonin syndrome (a condition where serotonin builds up in the body).
2) Shortness of breath, sudden dizziness.
3) Glaucoma (condition which causes increased pressure on the eyes), and blurred vision.
4) Blood sodium levels decrease in the body, leading to severe weakness, and loss of coordination.
5) Seizures (uncontrolled movement of body parts), and uneven heartbeats.
6) Mania signs, i.e. unusual changes in mood and behavioral patterns.
7) Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in certain people.
3) Fluoxetine and Pregnancy
This anti-anxiety medicine is safe to take during pregnancy. When fluoxetine is taken in the weeks before delivery, it can sometimes lead to short-term withdrawal symptoms and, very often, breathing problems in the newborn. If such is the case, the newborn can be checked for weight and extra care be given to the coming child.
The drug when taken in the last month of pregnancy can increase the chances of bleeding after delivery. Since the side effects are rare, fluoxetine can be continued safely.
Symptoms:
If you stop taking fluoxetine suddenly, you may show withdrawal symptoms such as:
1) Feeling dizzy
2) Feeling sick
3) Numbness in the hands or feet
4) Not getting adequate sleep
5) Feeling of anxiety or recklessness
6) Headaches
7) Trembling or shaking of body parts
On taking an overdose of fluoxetine, the following symptoms can be observed:
1) Changes in your periods such as heavy bleeding, spotting, or bleeding between periods.
2) Blood in the vomit may be a sign of bleeding in the stomach.
3) Feeling restlessness or aggravated
4) Increase in heartbeat
5) Experiencing multiple episodes of seizures, i.e., uncontrolled body movement.
6) Getting bruises that appear without a reason or are getting bigger.
Precautions:
This drug carries a boxed warning and patients are advised to read the instructions carefully before using the medication. The boxed warning is meant to alert doctors and patients about the hazards of using the drug.
Such antidepressants have a warning printed on the product label indicating the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
Because of the risk of suicidal ideation, your doctor may recommend monitoring the side effects throughout the treatment course with Prozac. The doctor may monitor you for increased symptoms of depression, changes in behavior, or voluntary attempts at suicide. On developing these symptoms, your doctor may recommend stopping using the drug and trying a different medication.
Conclusion:
In conclusion, all the Prozac side effects in women in the blog may not be included, if an individual has to deal with all of the above-listed side effects or any other changes to their health, then it will be helpful to consult with a doctor as soon as possible. Hope, this blog will help you to get all the information regarding Prozac drug side effects.
