Q: Who should not take Prozac?
A: Never take Prozac if you are taking another drug used to treat depression called a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI), or if you have stopped taking an MAOI in the last 14 days. Taking Prozac and an MAOI within a close period of time can result in serious (and sometimes fatal) reactions including high body temperature, coma, and seizures (convulsions). Do not take an MAOI within 5 weeks of stopping Prozac

Never take Prozac if you are taking Mellaril (thioridazine), a drug used to treat schizophrenia. Do not take Mellaril within 5 weeks of stopping Prozac. Taking Prozac and Mellaril within a close period of time can result in serious heartbeat problems.

Q: Are there any serious health risks associated with Prozac?
A: Health risks associated with Prozac use include possible development of serotonin syndrome when Prozac is taken with triptan medicines, infant persistent pulmonary hypertension in babies born to mothers taking Prozac, suicidal thoughts or actions, severe allergic reactions, bleeding problems, mania, seizures (convulsions), weight loss, and sexual problems.

Stopping Prozac suddenly could result in harmful side effects. Your healthcare professional should slowly decrease your dose.

Other problems associated with Prozac use may develop if you are or may become pregnant.

Q: Are there any other side effects associated with Prozac?
A: Other side effects associated with Prozac use include nausea, difficulty sleeping, anxiety, nervousness, and sleepiness.

Q: Are there any interactions between Prozac and other drugs or foods?
A: Prozac and certain other medicines can interact with each other. Tell your healthcare professional about all the medicines you take - including prescription and non-prescription medicines, vitamins, and herbal supplements, and especially those that affect bleeding and those used to treat diabetes, seizures, anxiety, mental illness, or depression.

Do not take Prozac with Sarafem (Prozac hydrochloride), a drug used to treat PreMenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD). These drugs are very similar and could result in an overdose.

If you plan to drink alcohol when taking Prozac, talk to your healthcare professional.