Fluoxetine is used to relieve the symptoms of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder and other disorders. Fluoxetine is a psychotropic drug for oral administration. It is usually taken once or twice a day. In order to exercise its full effect, it should be taken regularly, preferably at the same time every day. It may take up to 4 weeks for your condition to improve. The drug is expected to maintain its effect up to 9 months after a 3-month treatment. In the case of obsessive-compulsive disorder, it may be a full 5 weeks before the effect of the drug is felt.
Warnings Precautions
Do not use Fluoxetine if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you have liver disease or diabetes, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor. Fluoxetine may cause drowsiness and may affect your judgment. In some cases patients have been known to faint when rising abruptly from a resting position. Notify you doctor of such incidents. If you have a history of seizures, Fluoxetine should be used after careful consultation with your doctor about your general medical condition. Driving and operating dangerous machinery should be exercised with caution. Avoid performing hazardous activities which require full mental alertness. Discontinue use of the medication and notify your doctor immediately in case of developing a skin rash or hives while taking Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine can result in the loss of appetite and weight, especially in the case of depressed people who are already underweight and those with bulimia. Notify your doctor of any changes in weight or appetite. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately since the effects of Fluoxetine on pregnant women have not been studied sufficiently. Breastfeeding is not recommended while Fluoxetine is being administered as the drug may be passed onto breast milk.
Missing a Dose
In case of missing a dose, take it as soon as you remember on the same day. Skip the missed dose and resume your regular dosing schedule if you do not remember on the same day. Never take 2 doses at once.
Possible Side Effects
Only your doctor can determine whether it is safe for the administration of Fluoxetine to be continued in case of unusual side effects. Should any such side effects develop or change in intensity, notify your doctor immediately as the side effects of Fluoxetine cannot be anticipated.
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 and yawning are among the most common side effects of Fluoxetine.
Less common side effects may include 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, sleeping disorders, weight gain, excessive menstrual bleeding, hyperactivity, mania or hypomania (inadequate feelings of elation and/or hectic brain activity), nosebleeds, personality changes, and thirst.
Notify your doctor immediately if you experience any unusual symptoms.
Storage
Store in a dry place at 20-25 degrees C (68-77 F).
Overdose
The most usual symptoms of a Fluoxetine overdose include nausea, a rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting. Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor are among other possible symptoms of a Fluoxetine overdose. Seek medical help immediately if you suspect an overdose. Combining Fluoxetine with certain other drugs can result in symptoms of an overdose. An overdose of Fluoxetine can be lethal.
More Information
Most medications affecting the brain may result in slower reflexes or impair judgment and caution is advised. Fluoxetine should not be administered for at least two weeks after discontinuing treatment with MAO inhibitors. MAO inhibitors should not be taken for at least five weeks after terminating treatment with Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine has not been studied adequately in the US and periodical re-evaluation by your doctor is recommended. In case you are using other medications consult your pharmacist.
Fluoxetine resources:
http://www.mentalhealth.com/drug/p30-p05.html
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/druginfo/medmaster/a689006.html
http://www.drugdigest.org/DD/DVH/Uses/0,3915,275%7CFluoxetine,00.html
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