Drug Uses

Fluoxetine is a medicine used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other disorders. Fluoxetine is a psychotropic oral medicine.

How Taken

The common dosage of Fluoxetine is one or two pills per day. Treatment will have effective results if the medicine is taken regularly. You make take the medicine every day at the same time you do a certain activity. You may feel a relief from the depression in 4 weeks but the full effects of the medicine should continue about 9 months after a treatment of 3 months. If you use Fluoxetine to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, 5 weeks may be required for the drug to be effective.

Warnings/Precautions

You should not use Fluoxetine if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you suffer from a liver disease or diabetes. This medicine may cause drowsiness and may make you less alert so it is recommended that you avoid driving, operating machinery and participating in any dangerous activities that requite alertness. You may experience dizziness or lightheadedness and faints are possible when you rise from a lying or sitting position. It rising slowly does not help you avoid dizziness or if this problem persists, consult your doctor. Contact your doctor immediately in case Fluoxetine causes skin rash or hives. Be very cautious when using this medicine in case you have a history of seizures. Inform your doctor about all your medical problems before taking Fluoxetine. The medicine may cause decreased appetite and weight loss. This may happen especially to people who have depression and are already underweight and to patients who suffer from bulimia. Inform your doctor if you notice any changes in your weight or appetite. Consult your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant because the effects of Fluoxetine on pregnant patients are not well studied. The medicine passes into breast milk and you should not breast feed during a treatment with Fluoxetine.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose, take the missed tablet as soon as you remember. However, if it is already time for the next scheduled dose, skip the missed one and take the regular dose. Do not take a double dose to catch up the missed one.

Possible Side Effects

Adverse effects cannot be anticipated. You should talk to your doctor as soon as possible if you experience any side effects or if their intensity changes. Your doctor would decide if it is sage for you to continue using Fluoxetine. The most common adverse effects caused by Fluoxetine are: abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, anxiety, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning. Among the less common side effects may be: abnormal taste, agitation, bleeding problems, chills, confusion, ear pain, emotional instability, fever, frequent urination, high blood pressure, increased appetite, loss of memory, palpitations, ringing in the ears, sleep disorders, weight gain. Adolescents and children may also experience any of the following less common adverse effects: agitation, excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, hyperactivity, mania or hypomania (inappropriate feelings of elation and/or rapid thoughts), nosebleeds, personality changes, and thirst. Numerous very rare side effects have been reported during treatment with Fluoxetine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any other side effects that are not listed in this leaflet.

Storage

Fluoxetine should be stored in a dry place at a temperature of 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).

Overdose

A Fluoxetine overdose may be fatal. Symptoms of an overdose may be caused by combination of Fluoxetine and other drugs. If you suspect an overdose, immediately search for medical help. The most common symptoms of an overdose are nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting. An overdose may also be signaled by coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, and stupor.

More Information

You should not use Fluoxetine if you have taken MAO inhibitors in the last 2 weeks. MAO inhibitors should not be taken for at least 5 weeks after you stop taking Fluoxetine. Most of the medicines that affect the brain tend to slow reflexives or to impair judgment. Fluoxetine is not studied very well in the USA and it is recommended that patients are re-evaluated regularly. Consult your doctor if you need to take other medicines.

Disclaimer

This drug information is for your information purposes only, it is not intended that this information covers all uses, directions, drug interactions, precautions, or adverse effects of your medication. This is only general information, and should not be relied on for any purpose. It should not be construed as containing specific instructions for any particular patient. We disclaim all responsibility for the accuracy and reliability of this information, and/or any consequences arising from the use of this information, including damage or adverse consequences to persons or property, however such damages or consequences arise. No warranty, either expressed or implied, is made in regards to this information.