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Prozac Dangers

 Prozac® (fluoxetine hydrochloride) is a prescription drug licensed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, and panic disorder.
 
Before you begin taking this drug, dangers associated with the use of antidepressants should be discussed with your healthcare provider. All antidepressants can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. You should notify your healthcare provider immediately if you notice any changes in symptoms or new symptoms (such as anxiety, panic, or hallucinations).
 
Taking Prozac (a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) with other medications that affect serotonin can increase your risk of developing a dangerous group of symptoms called serotonin syndrome. Fever, muscle spasms, and difficulty walking are possible symptoms of serotonin syndrome.
 
A number of side effects have also been reported with Prozac. Some of the most common side effects of Prozac include weakness, diarrhea, and headaches. Although most side effects of the medication do not require medical attention, you should contact your healthcare provider immediately if you experience panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or unexplained swelling.
 
(Click Prozac Side Effects and Prozac Warnings and Precautions for more information about potential dangers of Prozac, including other side effects or complications that may occur with this antidepressant.)
 
Written by/reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD; Arthur Schoenstadt, MD
Last reviewed by: Kristi Monson, PharmD;