Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Prozac as follows:
Cardiovascular side-effects
- Prozac carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to Prozac intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness, thus increasing the risk for fall and accidents.
- Prozac also carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias, leading to severe debility and death. Individuals can present with episodes of chest pain, rapid heart rate, palpitations, dizziness, and shortness of breath.
Genitourinary side-effects
- Prozac can also induce frequency of urination or polyuria. Individuals, especially with history of poorly controlled diabetes with consequent increased urinary frequency and frequent urinary tract infections, must be aware of this side-effect, as Prozac can exacerbate the discomfort of polyuria significantly, thus leading to low body fluid volume and dehydration. Observing compliance with proper hydration measures, compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations, timed voiding, and other hygienic practices can help reduce the discomfort of polyuria and prevent development of any UTIs, secondary to Prozac intake.
