According to Drugs.com, fluoxetine--sold as the brand name drug Prozac--belongs to a group of antidepressants known as selective reuptake inhibitors. Fluoxetine is used to treat major depression, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. According to the National Institutes of Health, ranitidine--sold as the brand name drug Zantac--belongs to a class of drugs known as hitstamine-2 blockers. Zantac inhibits the production of stomach acid. Zantac is used in patients taking fluoxetine to prevent stomach irritation. Both have their own related side effects.
Decreased Therapeutic Effects of Fluoxetine
According to Drugs.com, symptoms of major depression may not be relieved in patients taking fluoxetine at the same time as Zantac. Taking fluoxetine together with Zantac leads to decreased absorption of fluoxetine and this leads to reduced therapeutic effects of fluoxetine. Patients should take Zantac one to two hours before taking fluoxetine to prevent drug interaction.
Upset Stomach
According to Drugs.com, common gastrointestinal side effects of fluoxetine include nausea, vomiting and abdominal distress. Some patients may also experience inflammation of the esophagus, gastritis, stomach ulcers, and gastrointestinal bleeding after taking fluoxetine, which is why Zantac is prescribed.
Hypersensitivity
According to Drugs.com, patients allergic to fluoxetine and ranitidine may experience severe allergic reactions after taking fluoxetine and Zantac. Common signs and symptoms of hypersensitivity to fluoxetine and Zantac include itching, rashes, hives, wheezing, problems breathing, swelling of the face and tongue, chest tightness, fever, chills and irregular pulse.
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