Prozac

Other Names: Fluoxetine.

Commonly Prescribed For: Prozac is generally prescribed for treating depression, eating disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic attacks. This medication can also be used for relieving symptoms associated with premenstrual dysphoric disorder, such as mood swings, breast tenderness, and irritability.

How to Take it: Prozac is available in the form of a capsule, s solution, a delayed-release capsule, and a tablet to be taken via mouth. This medication is normally taken once every day, either with food or without food. The delayed-release capsules are normally taken once every week. Take Prozac as prescribed, around the same time daily.

How it Works: Prozac belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. This medication works to increase the quantity of serotonin (a substance present in the brain, which helps to maintain mental balance).

Some Side Effects: Common side effects include nervousness, excessive sweating, and nausea, changes in sex drive, dry mouth, weight loss, sore throat, and loss of appetite, drowsiness, uncontrollable body movements, and weakness. Some serious side effects include rash, seizures, fever, hearing unusual voices, joint pain, fast or irregular heartbeat, inflammation of the face, lips, hands or lower legs, and severe muscle stiffness.