Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking Prozac as follows:
- Prozac takes some time to fairly balance the chemicals in the brain, before any improvement in mood and behavior are noted. It could take about 3 – 6 weeks to see this change in mood. So, do not discontinue taking the medication without consulting your physician, as you failed to see the improvement with depressive symptoms immediately after taking the medication.
- Prozac carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Prozac can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking Prozac along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of cardiac arrhythmias, if any, if you are newly started on Prozac. If you are newly diagnosed with any cardiac arrhythmias or started on any antiarrhythmic medications, discuss with your physician regarding your safety with continuing on Prozac, if you have been using the medication for long.
