Generic Prozac, Fluoxetine is in a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs.

Generic Prozac is prescribed for the treatment of depression - that is, a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms of major depression often include changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination; decreased sex drive; increased fatigue; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; difficulty concentrating; slowed thinking; and suicidal thoughts.

Generic Prozac is also prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession is a thought that will not go away; a compulsion is an action done over and over to relieve anxiety. Generic Prozac also used in the treatment of bulimia (binge-eating followed by deliberate vomiting). Generic Prozac has also been used to treat other eating disorders and obesity.

Under the brand name Sarafem, the active ingredient in Generic Prozac is also prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), formerly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMDD include mood problems such as anxiety, depression, irritability or persistent anger, mood swings, and tension. Physical problems that accompany PMDD include bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and joint and muscle pain. Symptoms typically begin 1 to 2 weeks before a menstrual period and are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities and relationships.

Generic Prozac is a member of the family of drugs called "selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors". Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Generic Prozac slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain.

Generic Prozac dosage should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Generic Prozac usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, Generic Prozac should be taken regularly. Make a habit of taking Generic Prozac at the same time you do some other daily activity. It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your depression, but the drug effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear.

Generic Prozac dosage for adults: The usual starting Generic Prozac dose is 20 milligrams per day, taken in the morning. Your doctor may increase your Generic Prozac dose after several weeks if no improvement is observed. People with kidney or liver disease, the elderly, and those taking other drugs may have their Generic Prozac dosage adjusted by their doctor. Generic Prozac dosages above 20 milligrams daily should be taken once a day in the morning or in 2 smaller doses taken in the morning and at noon.

The usual daily dose of Generic Prozac for depression ranges from 20 to 60 milligrams. For obsessive-compulsive disorder the customary range is 20 to 60 milligrams per day, though a maximum of 80 milligrams is sometimes prescribed. For bulimia nervosa, the usual Generic Prozac dose is 60 milligrams, taken in the morning. Your doctor may have you start with less and build up to this Generic Prozac dosage. The usual Generic Prozac dose for premenstrual dysphoric disorder is 20 milligrams a day.

If you are taking a 20-milligram daily dose of Generic Prozac for depression, the doctor may switch you to a delayed-release formulation called Generic Prozac Weekly. To make the change, you will be asked to skip your daily dose of Generic Prozac for 7 days, then take your first weekly capsule.

Generic Prozac overdose: Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Generic Prozac can be fatal. In addition, combining Generic Prozac with certain other drugs can cause symptoms of overdose of Generic Prozac. If you suspect an overdose of Generic Prozac, seek medical attention immediately.

Common symptoms of Generic Prozac overdose include: Nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting

Other symptoms of Generic Prozac overdose include: Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor

If you miss a dose of Generic Prozac: Take the forgotten Generic Prozac dose as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip the dose of Generic Prozac. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose of Generic Prozac.

Storage instructions for Generic Prozac: Store at room temperature.

Preparations of Generic Prozac: Capsules are available for daily use in 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg, 80 mg sizes.

Generic Prozac for weekly usage - dealyed results available in 90 mg. Fluoxetine also is available in liquid oral suspension of 20mg/5ml.

Combining Generic Prozac with MAO inhibitors is dangerous. Do not drink alcohol while taking Generic Prozac.

If Generic Prozac is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Generic Prozac with the following:

• Alprazolam (Xanax), Carbamazepine (Tegretol), Clozapine (Clozaril),, Diazepam (Valium), Digitoxin (Crystodigin),
• Drugs that impair brain function, such as sleep aids and narcotic painkillers, Flecainide (Tambocor), Haloperidol (Haldol), Lithium (Eskalith),
• Other antidepressants (Elavil), Phenytoin (Dilantin), Pimozide (Orap), Tryptophan, Vinblastine (Velban), Warfarin (Coumadin).