Drug Name

Fluoxetine

Drug Uses

Fluoxetine is an SSRI that is used in the treatment of conditions like depression, OCD and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), which is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome.

How it is taken

Fluoxetine must be taken by mouth with or without food. Maintain a regular dosage schedule and take the drug at the same time everyday to ensure that you do not miss out on any doses.

Continue to take the medicine for the complete duration of treatment and do not stop taking it without consulting your doctor.

Drug Class & Mechanism

Fluoxetine is an SSRI that helps restore the balance of chemicals in the brain and thereby helps improve the mood and mental well being.

Missed Dosage

If you are on a regular dosage and miss a dose of Fluoxetine, then you may take it as soon as you remember and adjust the remaining doses accordingly. However, if it is nearly time for the next dose then you may skip this dose and continue with the regular dosage. Do not take a double dose to make up for the missed dose.

Storage

Store it at room temperature (between between 68 and 77 degrees F (20 and 25 degrees C) in an air tight container protecting it from direct exposure to light, heat and moisture. Keep away from pets and children.

Warnings/Precautions
 

Discuss with your doctor about any prior medical condition that you may have including allergies to medicines, food or other substances, you or a family member has a history of bipolar disorder (manic-depression), other mental or mood problems, suicidal thoughts or attempts, or alcohol or substance abuse, you have a history of seizures, heart problems, liver problems, severe kidney problems, stomach or bowel bleeding, diabetes, or metabolism problems, you are dehydrated, have low blood sodium levels, or drink alcohol, you will be having electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

You must not take if you are allergic to any ingredient in it or are taking or have taken a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) (e.g., phenelzine), selegiline, or St. John's wort within the last 14 days, are taking a fenfluramine derivative (e.g., dexfenfluramine), nefazodone, pimozide, a serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) (e.g., venlafaxine), sibutramine, thioridazine, or tryptophan.

If you are pregnant or suspect that you are, then stop using Fluoxitine and contact your doctor immediately.

It is unknown whether Fluoxitine is secreted in breast milk. Avoid breast feeding while using the drug.

Certain drugs can interact with Fluoxitine and hence, mention clearly to your doctor or pharmacist all medicines, dietary supplements and herbal prescriptions that you are taking, especially, any of the following.

Anorexiants (eg, phentermine), fenfluramine derivatives (eg, dexfenfluramine), linezolid, MAOIs (eg, phenelzine), metoclopramide, nefazodone, selegiline, serotonin 5-HT1 receptor agonists (eg, sumatriptan), sibutramine, SNRIs (eg, venlafaxine, St. John's wort, trazodone, or tryptophan because severe side effects, such as a reaction that may include fever, rigid muscles, blood pressure changes, mental changes, confusion, irritability, agitation, delirium, and coma, may occur

Anticoagulants (eg, warfarin), aspirin, or nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) (eg, ibuprofen) because it greatly increases the risk of bleeding, including stomach bleeding.

Diuretics (eg, furosemide, hydrochlorothiazide) because it enhances the risk of low sodium levels in the blood.

Tramadol , because it increases the risk of seizues.

Cyclobenzaprine or H1 antagonists (eg, astemizole, terfenadine) because severe heart problems, including irregular heartbeat, may occur

HIV protease inhibitors (eg, ritonavir) because they increase the risk of Fluoxetine’s side effects.

Cyproheptadine because it reduces the efficiency of the drug.

Aripiprazole, benzodiazepines (eg, alprazolam), beta-blockers (eg, propranolol), carbamazepine, clozapine, dextromethorphan, digoxin, flecainide, haloperidol, hydantoins (eg, phenytoin), lithium, norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (eg, atomoxetine), phenothiazines (eg, chlorpromazine, thioridazine), pimozide, propafenone, risperidone, tricyclic antidepressants (eg, amitriptyline), or vinblastine because the risk of their side effects may be increased by Fluoxetine

Possible Side Effects

Some of the common side effects of are anxiety, decreased sexual desire or ability, diarrhea, dizziness, drowsiness, dry mouth, increased sweating, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, stomach upset, trouble sleeping, weakness.

Please contact your doctor if the symptoms persist or become bothersome.

Other severe side effects include allergic reactions rash, hives, itching, difficulty breathing, tightness in the chest, swelling of the mouth, face, lips, or tongue), bizarre behavior, black or bloody stools, chest pain, confusion, exaggerated reflexes, excessive sweating, fast or irregular heartbeat, fever, chills, or sore throat, hallucinations, increased urination, joint or wrist aches or pain, loss of coordination, new or worsening agitation, panic attacks, aggressiveness, impulsiveness, irritability, hostility, exaggerated feeling of well-being, restlessness, or inability to sit still, persistent or severe ringing in the ears, persistent, painful erection, red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin, seizures, severe or persistent anxiety or trouble sleeping, significant weight loss, stomach pain, suicidal thoughts or attempts, tremor, unusual bruising or bleeding, unusual hoarseness, unusual or severe mental or mood changes, unusual swelling, vision changes, worsening of depression.

You must seek medical attention immediately if any of these side effects occur.