Prozac Side Effects

From LoveToKnow Recovery

Though Prozac is one of the most common antidepressants prescribed in the United States, many people aren't familiar with Prozac side effects. Read on to learn more about the most common side effects of Prozac and what you should do if you experience too much discomfort.

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Common Prozac Side Effects

Prozac (fluoxetine) is frequently prescribed to patients who suffer from depression, obsessive compulsive disorders, and panic disorders. Though studies have shown Prozac side effects are not typically long term, the drug can alter the different systems of the body to produce short-term and problematic side effects.

Whole Body

Here are the most common side effects on the body as a whole:

Frequent

  • Dry mouth
  • Chest pain
  • Chills
  • Hypothyroidism
  • Nausea
  • Weight gain

Infrequent or Rare

  • Acute abdominal syndrome
  • Face edema
  • Fever
  • Intentional overdose or injury
  • Malaise
  • Migraine
  • Pelvic pain
  • Photosensitivity reaction

Cardiovascular System

Here are the most common side effects on the cardiovascular system:

Frequent

  • Hemorrhage
  • Hypertension
  • Palpitation

Infrequent or Rare

  • Angina pectoris
  • Arrhythmia
  • Atrial fibrillation
  • Cerebral embolism
  • Congestive heart failure
  • Heart arrest
  • Hypotension
  • Myocardial infarct
  • Phlebitis
  • Syncope
  • Tachycardia
  • Thrombosis
  • Vascular headache
  • Ventricular fibrillation

Digestive System

Here are the most common side effects on the digestive system:

Frequent

  • Increased appetite
  • Nausea
  • Vomiting

Infrequent or Rare

  • Colitis
  • Diarrhea
  • Eructation
  • Fatty liver deposits
  • Gastritis
  • Gastroenteritis
  • Gum hemorrhage
  • Hemorrhage of the colon
  • Hepatitis
  • Incontinence
  • Increased salivation
  • Melena
  • Mouth ulceration
  • Salivary gland enlargement
  • Tongue edema
  • Ulcers

Hemic and Lymphatic System

Here are the most common side effects on the hemic and lymphatic systems. All of these side effects are infrequent or rare:

  • Anemia
  • Blood dyscrasia
  • Ecchymosis
  • Hypochromic anemia
  • Leukopenia
  • Lymphedema
  • Lymphocytosis
  • Petechia
  • Purpura
  • Thrombocythemia
  • Thrombocytopenia

Metabolic

Here are the most common metabolic or nutritional side effects. All of these are infrequent or rare:

  • Alcohol Intolerance
  • Dehydration
  • Gout
  • Hyperkalemia
  • Hyperuricemia
  • Increased alkaline phosphatase
  • Increased BUN
  • Increased SGPT
  • Iron Deficiency

Musculoskeletal System

Here are the most common side effects on the musculoskeletal system. All of these side effects are infrequent or rare:

  • Arthritis
  • Bone pain
  • Bursitis
  • Leg cramps
  • Tenosynovitis
  • Arthrosis
  • Myasthenia
  • Myopathy
  • Myositis
  • Osteoporosis
  • Rheumatoid arthritis

Nervous System

Here are the most common side effects on the nervous system:

Frequent

  • Agitation
  • Amnesia
  • Confusion
  • Sleep disorder

Infrequent or Rare

  • Abnormal electroencephalogram
  • Abnormal gait
  • Acute brain syndrome
  • Antisocial reaction
  • Apathy
  • Ataxia
  • CNS depression
  • Coma
  • Decreased reflexes
  • Delusions
  • Depersonalization
  • Dystonia
  • Euphoria
  • Foot drop
  • Hallucinations
  • Hostility
  • Hyperesthesia
  • Hypertonia
  • Increased libido
  • Increased reflexes
  • Neuralgia
  • Neuritis
  • Neuropathy
  • Neurosis
  • Paralysis
  • Paranoid reaction
  • Personality disorder
  • Psychosis
  • Stupor
  • Vertigo

Respiratory System

Here are the most common side effects on the respiratory system. All of these side effects are infrequent or rare:

  • Apnea
  • Asthma
  • Atelectasis
  • Emphysema
  • Epistaxis
  • Hemoptysis
  • Hiccups
  • Hyperventilation
  • Hypoventilation
  • Hypoxia
  • Larynx edema
  • Stridor

Skin and Appendages

Here are the most common Prozac side effects on the skin and appendages. All of these side effects are infrequent or rare:

  • Acne
  • Alopecia
  • Contact dermatitis
  • Eczema
  • Psoriasis
  • Rashes
  • Seborrhea
  • Skin discoloration
  • Skin ulcer

Help for Prozac Side Effects

If you are experiencing any of the Prozac side effects mentioned above, you shouldn't quit taking your medication. Prozac is a strong drug and patients who quit taking it have been known to have problems. Instead, you should speak with your doctor and describe some of the Prozac side effects that are troubling you the most. Your physician may be able to recommend something to ease your problems or may decide to change your dosage. If you are experiencing serious discomfort, there may be another type of medicine that you can try.


 


Comments

Terresa,

Prozac can cause a person to feel nervous and the symptoms you describe may be part of feeling ill at ease. They may not be related to the Prozac at all though. If you are concerned about yourself or someone you know, please consult with a doctor or a pharmacist to learn more about side effects of taking Prozac.

Jodee Redmond LoveToKnow Editor

-- Contributed by: JC Redmond

does prozac cause you to talk very loud? Plus does it cause you to repeat yourself?

-- Contributed by: terresa burdge

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