Some people will experience side effects with Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) that are so intolerable that they discontinue use before the drug has reached a therapeutic level. The following is a method you can use in order to avoid these extreme side effects. Although you can obtain a similar solution pre-made, this method is a more cost-effective alternative.
Difficulty: Average
Time Required: 10 minutes
Here's How:
- Print out this page for your doctor to read. You should always obtain your doctor's permission before making any changes to your treatment plan.
- If your doctor agrees, ask for a prescription for 20 mg capsules of either Prozac or generic fluoxetine hydrochloride.
- When you fill your prescription, ask your pharmacist for a 100 mL (100 cc) bottle and a 5 mL (5 cc) medicine syringe.
- Fill the bottle with water, Gatorade, apple juice or cranberry juice to the 100 mL mark.
- Open five 20 mg capsules and empty their contents into the bottle. Discard the gelatin capsules.
- Shake well and refrigerate. This solution is good for fourteen days.
- The solution will be at a concentration of 1 mg/mL (i.e. taking 5 mL would be equal to a dose of 5 mg).
- Begin with a 5 mg dose.
- Each week increase your dose by 5 mg. At the end of a month you will have worked your way up to the 20 mg "standard dose". Stop here unless your doctor advises otherwise. You may now switch to 20 mg capsules.
Tips:
- If you don't have a medicine syringe, a teaspoon is equal to approximately 5 mL.
- Prozac can be irritating to the eyes. Avoid getting the powder in your eyes and wash your hands thoroughly after handling it.
What You Need:
- 20 mg Prozac Capules
- 100 mL (100 cc) Bottle
- 5 mL Medicine Syringe
- Water, Gatorade or Juice
