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Prozac dosage: How do I take
this depression medication?
Prozac
dosage overview:
The
normal Prozac dosage is usually once or twice a day. Prozac should always be
taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. In order to be effective, it should
be taken regularly. You should make a habit of taking it at the same time every
day.
Some people have noted that
it may take as much as four weeks before you feel any significant relief from
your depression. Also, this depression medication’s effect should last for about
nine months after the initial three months treatment regimen. For individuals
with obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take as much as five
weeks to appear.
If you miss a dose of
Prozac…
Take the forgotten Prozac
dosage as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip the dose.
Never try to catch up by doubling up on your doses.
Storage instructions…
Store at room temperature.
Recommended Prozac dosage:
The usual starting dosage of
Prozac is 20 mg per day taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your
dose after several weeks if no improvement has been found. People with kidney
and liver disease, the elderly, and any individual taking other drugs may need
to have their dosage adjusted by their physician.
Prozac dosages above 20 mg
daily should be taken once a day in the morning or two smaller doses taken in
the morning and also at noontime.
The usual daily dose for
depression ranges from 20 to 60 mg. For individuals with obsessive-compulsive
disorder, the customary Prozac dosage range is from 20mg to 60 mg per day,
though occasionally a maximum of 80 milligrams of Prozac is sometimes
prescribed. For bulimia nervosa, the usual Prozac dosage is 60 mg, taken in the
morning. Your doctor may have you start at a lower dosage and increased to this
level over a period of time. The usual dosage for premenstrual dysphoric
disorder is 20 mg a day.
If you happen to be taking a
20 mg dosage of Prozac for depression, the doctor may have you switch to a
delayed release formula called Prozac Weekly. At that time, you may be asked to
skip your daily doses for seven days, and then you will take your first weekly
capsule.
Prozac
overdosage:
All medications taken in
excess of the recommended amount can be dangerous. Prozac overdosage can be
fatal. In addition, combining Prozac with certain other drugs may cause
symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, you should seek immediate
medical attention.
Common symptoms of Prozac
overdosage include:
Nausea, rapid heartbeat,
seizures, sleepiness, vomiting
Less common symptoms of
Prozac overdosage include:
Coma, delirium, fainting,
high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles,
sweating, stupor
By Paul Susic MA Licensed Psychologist Ph.D. Candidate
Information provided by
The PDR Pocket Guide to Prescription Drugs - Sixth Edition
See additional Prozac pictures and dosages
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