Fluoxetine

What is fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor meant to treat depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa (which refers to an eating disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and panic disorder.

What is the most important information I should know about fluoxetine?

You shouldn't mix fluoxetine with the following medications:

thioridazine (Mellaril)

pimozide (Orap)

monoamine oxidase inhibitors like phenelzine (Nardil), isocarboxazid (Marplan), rasagiline (Azilect), tranylcypromine (Parnate) or selegiline (Eldepryl, Emsam). If you want to start treatment with fluoxetine, wait two weeks or more after you stopped taking a MAO inhibitor. You should wait five weeks after you stopped using fluoxetine if you intend to take a MAO inhibitor or thioridazine (Mellaril).

In case you are using an antidepressant for the first time, you may experience such symptoms as suicidal thoughts, especially if you are under 24. Visit your doctor on a regular basis within the first 12 weeks.

Fluoxetine was approved by FDA for use in children who suffer from depression.

Visit your health care provider without procrastinating in case you experience such symptoms as

panic attacks;

depression;

anxiety;

irritability;

excessive agitation;

trouble sleeping;

suicidal thoughts;

changes in behavior or mood;

feeling impulsive, hostile, hyperactive or restless. You may need special tests during treatment and dosage adjustment if you have such conditions as diabetes, kidney disease, bipolar disorder, epilepsy or seizure, cirrhosis of the liver or a history of drug addiction and suicidal thoughts.

FDA: pregnancy category C. If the mother took this medication during pregnancy, the baby is likely to have serious problems with lungs which may even become fatal. If you have become pregnant while taking fluoxetine, do not stop using the drug without consulting with your health care provider. Fluoxetine may also appear in breast milk, so avoid using it while you are breastfeeding.

How should I take fluoxetine?

An extended-release capsule shouldn't be crushed, opened or chewed. Swallow it whole.

With liquid fluoxetine, you should use a medical cup or a marked measuring spoon to adjust your dose in a proper way.

Keep in mind that sometimes it may take 4 weeks or longer before you notice improvements. Do not stop taking the drug at once, as it may result in undesirable side effects.

Fluoxetine should be stored at room temperature, away from heat and moisture.

What happens if I miss a dose?

Use the missed dose of fluoxetine as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for the next dose, you should skip the missed one. Do not take an extra dose to catch up.

What happens if I overdose?

The common fluoxetine overdose symptoms include vomiting, nausea, sleeplessness, confusion, rapid and uneven heartbeat, seizure, fever, coma and fainting. You should seek immediate medical help if you detect one of these overdose symptoms.