Prozac may cause serotonin syndrome (reaction caused by certain antidepressants - may cause nervous system irritability, change in level of consciousness/decreased alertness, confusion/disorientation, widening of the pupils, balance problems, muscle spasms, sweating, abdominal cramps, high blood pressure, shivering, excessive sweating, rapid heart rate, increased blood pressure, or fever). - This side effect has been reported with a similar type of drug
- Especially in people with changes in metabolism
Medical Source InformationYellow highlights indicate symptoms related to serotonin syndrome. The development of a potentially life-threatening serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS)-like reactions have been reported with SNRIs and SSRIs alone, including fluoxetine, but particularly with concomitant use of serotonergic drugs (including triptans) with drugs which impair metabolism of serotonin (including MAOIs), or with antipsychotics or other dopamine antagonists. Serotonin syndrome symptoms may include mental status changes (e.g., agitation, hallucinations, coma), autonomic instability (e.g., tachycardia, labile blood pressure, hyperthermia), neuromuscular aberrations (e.g., hyperreflexia, incoordination) and/or gastrointestinal symptoms (e.g., nausea, vomiting, diarrhea). Serotonin syndrome, in its most severe form can resemble neuroleptic malignant syndrome, which includes hyperthermia, muscle rigidity, autonomic instability with possible rapid fluctuation of vital signs, and mental status changes. Patients should be monitored for the emergence of serotonin syndrome or NMS-like signs and symptoms.
Side Effects to Watch Watch closely for the following side effects and notify your physician immediately should any of these develop: - Abnormal heart rate, fluttering in the chest, weakness, faintness, dizziness or loss of consciousness (signs of a serious condition called "torsade de pointe or QT prolongation" in which irregular heartbeats occur)
- Abnormal bruising or signs of bleeding such as bleeding from the gums, nose, digestive tract, vagina (females), faintness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or rash (signs of problems with blood clot formation)
Lab and Diagnostic Tests If certain symptoms develop, ask your physician whether you need the following lab tests or other diagnostic tests (if you've not already had them): - Monitor serotonin
- Blood tests to assess normal clotting - in people who develop signs of bleeding such as abnormal bruising or signs of bleeding including bleeding from the gums, nose, digestive tract, vagina (females), faintness, dizziness, loss of consciousness, or rash
- EKG - if abnormal heartbeats (rapid slow or irregular) develop
- Platelet counts - should be monitored
Multum version: 154.0
(Jun 16, 2010)
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