Prozac Side Effects

Prozac Information

Prozac Side Effects: An Introduction

As with any medicine, there are possible side effects with Prozac^® (fluoxetine hydrochloride). However, not everyone who takes the antidepressant will have problems. In fact, most people tolerate the drug well. When Prozac side effects do occur, in most cases they are minor and either require no treatment or can easily be treated by you or your healthcare provider.

(This article covers many, but not all, of the possible side effects with Prozac. Your healthcare provider can discuss a more complete list of Prozac side effects with you.)

Common Side Effects of Prozac

Prozac has been studied thoroughly in clinical trials in which the side effects seen with a group of people taking the drug are documented and compared to another group not taking the medicine.

This way, it is possible to see what side effects occur, how often they appear, and how they compare to the group not taking the medicine.

In clinical studies, the most common side effects of Prozac included:

Insomnia -- in up to 33 of people (see Prozac and Insomnia)
Nausea -- up to 29 percent
Weakness -- up to 21 percent
Headache -- up to 21 percent
Diarrhea -- up to 18 percent
Loss of appetite -- up to 17 percent (see Prozac and Weight Loss)
Drowsiness -- up to 17 percent
Anxiety -- up to 15 percent
Nervousness -- up to 14 percent
Shakiness (tremor) -- up to 13 percent
Dry mouth -- up to 12 percent (see Prozac and Dry Mouth)
Decreased sex drive -- up to 11 percent (see Prozac Sexual Side Effects)
Yawning -- up to 11 percent
Indigestion -- up to 10 percent
Dizziness -- up to 9 percent
Sweating -- up to 8 percent
Impotence -- up to 7 percent (see Prozac Sexual Side Effects)
Ejaculation problems -- up to 7 percent (see Fluoxetine and Premature Ejaculation).

Other common Prozac side effects (that occurred in at least 1 percent of people) include:

Flushing (redness of the skin, especially the face)
Abnormal dreams
Constipation
Gas
Vomiting
Fever or chills
Weight loss (see Prozac and Weight Loss)
Vision changes
Chest pain
High blood pressure (hypertension)
Increased appetite and weight gain (see Prozac and Weight Gain)
Taste changes.

(Prozac Side Effects Continued: Page 2)