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What are the side effects of Prozac?

Prozac (generic name >fluoxetine) belongs to a family of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is most often used for depression, but may also be prescribed for other conditions including anxiety disorders and eating disorders.

Prozac is generally well tolerated. Its most commonly reported side effects include nausea, trouble sleeping, drowsiness, anxiety, nervousness, headache, loss of appetite, tremors, dry mouth, diarrhea, and sweating. Prozac may also cause sexual dysfunction including a decrease in sex drive, delayed ejaculation, or impotence. Some of these effects will go away within a few weeks as treatment continues. For most people, side effects aren't serious enough to stop taking Prozac. If you have trouble sleeping, take Prozac in the morning. Take it at bedtime if Prozac makes you drowsy. If you experience sexual dysfunction or any bothersome side effects, be sure to notify your doctor.

If you develop a rash while taking Prozac, call your doctor right away because this can be a sign of a serious medical condition.

Sources:
Micromedex® Healthcare Series. Thomson Micromedex, 2006.
Drug Facts and Comparisons, Facts & Comparisons, 2006.
The American Psychiatric Press Textbook of Psychopharmacology. American Psychiatric Press Inc., 1998.
Prozac Product Information Eli Lilly and Company. 2006

This answer prepared 8/13/2001.
This information updated 11/30/2006.