Drug Uses

Fluoxetine is a drug used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and different other medical conditions. It is a psychotropic drug that is taken orally.

How Taken

Fluoxetine is commonly taken once or twice every day. It will be effective only if it is used regularly. A good idea may be to take the drug at the same time you do some common daily activity. About 4 weeks may be needed before you experience some relief from your condition. However, Fluoxetine is a long-lasting drug and its effects should be lasting about 9 months after a treatment of 3 months. If you suffer an obsessive-compulsive disorder, desired results may appear after 5 weeks of usage.

Warnings/Precautions

Patients should not take the drug if they are recovering from a heart attack or if they have liver disease or diabetes, unless their doctor instructed them to do so. It is not recommended to use Fluoxetine if you are driving, operating dangerous machines, or taking part in any hazardous activities because the drug may affect your judgment or make you drowsy. The drug may cause dizziness or light-headedness. You can faint when changing your position from lying or sitting to standing. Getting up slowly should help this problem disappear, but in case it does not, call your doctor. You should also contact your doctor and stop using the drug if you get a skin rash or hives. Be cautious with the usage of Fluoxetine if you have a history of seizures. Consult your doctor about all your medical conditions before start using the drug. Fluoxetine may cause loss of appetite and weight, especially in people suffering from a depression, who are already underweight, and in patients with bulimia. Contact your doctor in case you notice any changes in your weight or appetite. The effects of the drug on pregnancy have not been completely studied and you should inform your doctor immediately if you are pregnant or plan to get pregnant. Fluoxetine enters breast milk and breast feeding is not recommended during its usage.

Missed Dose

In case you miss a dose and remember about it the same day, take the drug immediately. If you remember the dose the next day, skip the missed dose and only take your regular dose. Never take a double dose of the drug at once.

Possible Side Effects

Side effects of Fluoxetine are not expected but in case you experience any, contact your doctor immediately. The doctor will decide if it is safe to continue the intake of the drug. Among the most common side effects 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. Other side effects that are not so common are the following: 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. Less common effects in children and adolescents can be: agitation, excessive menstrual bleeding, frequent urination, hyperactivity, mania or hypomania (inappropriate feelings of elation and/or rapid thoughts), nosebleeds, personality changes, and thirst. A range of very rare side effects have been reported by people using Fluoxetine. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any new or unexplained symptoms.

Storage

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

Overdose

An overdose of Fluoxetine may cause death. Its combination with other drugs may cause overdose symptoms. If you suspect an overdose, immediately search for medical care. Symptoms of Fluoxetine overdose may be: nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting, coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor.

More Information

Do not use Fluoxetine in combination with MAO inhibitors or for at least a period of 2 weeks after you have stopped using them. MAO inhibitors should not be used for at least 5 weeks after you have stopped using Fluoxetine. Regular evaluation by your doctor is recommended. Consult your pharmacist if you want to use other medications together with Fluoxetine.

Disclaimer

These instructions are for your information only. Be aware that the directions don't cover all uses, medicine interactions, precautions, or unfavorable effects. These prescriptions are only informative and shouldn't be relied on for any further actions. Don't accept the instructions as directions for application for any specific complaint. We deny all responsibility for the preciseness and trustiness of the information displayed and/or any results proceeding from it inclusive of harms or undesirable consequences to people or possessions if such occur. No warranty, either expressed or referred to, is made in connection to the above information.