Description

Prozac 20mg Capsules (Fluoxetine) – Uses, Dosage, Side Effects

Prozac 20mg Capsules (Fluoxetine) are a prescription antidepressant medication used to treat various mental health conditions, including depression, OCD, bulimia nervosa, and pediatric depression. Prozac belongs to a class of drugs called SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), which work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain to help improve mood, behavior, and emotional balance.

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✅ Key Benefits of Prozac 20mg Capsules

• Major Depressive Disorder (MDD) – Treats depression in adults and adolescents (8+ years).

• Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) – Reduces intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors in adults.

• Bulimia Nervosa – Helps control binge-eating and purging episodes when combined with psychotherapy.

• Pediatric Depression – Approved for children and adolescents (8+ years) when therapy alone is not effective.

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💊 How Prozac Works (Mechanism of Action)

• Active Ingredient: Fluoxetine Hydrochloride – a well-studied SSRI antidepressant.

• Action: Blocks the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, leading to increased serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft.

• Result: Enhanced serotonergic activity improves mood, reduces anxiety, and helps regulate behavior.

• Selectivity: Fluoxetine shows minimal activity on dopaminergic, adrenergic, muscarinic, and histamine receptors, leading to a safer side-effect profile compared to older antidepressants.

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📦 Available Formulation

• Prozac 20mg Capsules

• Each capsule contains Fluoxetine Hydrochloride (C₁₇H₁₈F₃NO·HCl).

• White to off-white crystalline solid, soluble in water.

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📋 Recommended Dosage of Prozac 20mg

⚠️ Dosage should always be prescribed by a qualified doctor.

• Adults (Depression & OCD): 20mg once daily; may be increased up to 60–80mg/day if needed.

• Bulimia Nervosa (Adults): 60mg once daily in the morning.

• Children & Adolescents (8+ years, Depression): Start at 10–20mg daily; do not exceed 20mg/day.

• Elderly or Liver Impairment: 20mg every other day or adjusted as per doctor’s advice.

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⚠️ Possible Side Effects of Prozac

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea

• Headache

• Insomnia

• Drowsiness

Serious Side Effects (seek medical help immediately):

• Serotonin Syndrome (confusion, high fever, muscle stiffness)

• Abnormal bleeding

• Irregular heartbeat or QT prolongation

• Severe mood changes or suicidal thoughts

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⚖️ Precautions & Warnings

• Requires close medical supervision, especially when starting or stopping treatment.

• Not suitable for people with severe liver disease without dose adjustment.

• May interact with other medications, including MAOIs, anticoagulants, and other antidepressants.

• Avoid alcohol consumption while on Prozac.

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📦 Storage & Disposal

• Store at 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F), away from light and moisture.

• Keep out of reach of children and pets.

• Dispose of unused medication safely to prevent accidental ingestion or environmental contamination.