Fluoxetine
Description
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medicine. It is used to treat depression and other mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours you feel compelled to perform), panic disorder (feelings of fear, rapid breathing, and fast heart rate), etc. This medicine works by increasing the levels of a chemical substance in your brain and helps in stabilising your mood and feeling of well-being.
Fluoxetine may cause common side effects such as headache, nausea, decreased appetite, restlessness, nervousness, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, etc. Consult your doctor if these symptoms stay for a long time or if they become severe.
Fluoxetine can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor. Take it at the same time every day for the ease of remembering. Avoid discontinuing the treatment without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, etc. To avoid these, gradual dose reduction is necessary under your doctor’s supervision.
Fluoxetine is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, liver problems, or a history of seizures, glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve in the eyes leading to loss of vision) before taking this medicine. Inform your doctor about your current medicines to avoid any undesired side effects due to interaction with this medicine. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
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Side effects
Major & minor side effects for Fluoxetine
- Decreased appetite
- Restlessness
- Anxiety and nervousness
- Dizziness
- Sleepiness
- Vision disturbances
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Frequent urination
- Weight change
- Photosensitivity
- Muscle pain
- Excessive sweating
- Abnormal dreams
- Decreased sexual drive
Uses of Fluoxetine
What is it prescribed for?
- Bulimia nervosa
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
- Panic disorder
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
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Concerns
Commonly asked questions
- Onset of actionThe time required for Fluoxetine to show its effect is not clinically known.
- Duration of effectThe time for which Fluoxetine remains active in your body is not clinically known.
- Safe with alcohol?Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Fluoxetine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.
- Is it habit forming?No habit-forming tendency has been reported with Fluoxetine.
- Usage in pregnancy?Fluoxetine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.
- Usage while breast-feeding?Fluoxetine passes into breastmilk, hence it is not recommended while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
Allergy
Avoid taking Fluoxetine if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, swelling and/or itching (especially in the face, lips, throat, etc.), dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc. after taking this medicine.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a class of medicines used to treat depression. Fluoxetine is not recommended if you have taken such medicine within the last 14 days due to the increased risk of serious side effects.
Warnings for special population
Pregnancy
Fluoxetine is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.
Breast-feeding
Fluoxetine passes into breastmilk, hence it is not recommended while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings
Suicidal thoughts
Fluoxetine should be used with caution due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Closely observe for any change in behavior or mood while taking this medicine. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts or behaviour.
Abnormal bleeding
Fluoxetine may increase the risk of bleeding. Hence, it should be used with caution if you have active bleeding or if you are taking medicines like NSAIDs (class of medicine used to relieve pain), Aspirin, or Warfarin as it may further increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor immediately.
Altered appetite and weight
Fluoxetine may result in weight loss due to loss of appetite. Hence, close monitoring of body weight is recommended during treatment with this medicine.
Withdrawal symptoms
Avoid abrupt discontinuation of Fluoxetine without consulting your doctor as it may result in withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and/or vomiting, headache, anxiety, dizziness, sleep disturbances, irritability, etc. Your doctor will reduce the dose of this medicine slowly over a period of time to prevent any undesired effects.
Hyponatraemia (Low blood sodium levels)
Hyponatraemia refers to low levels of sodium in your blood. Fluoxetine should be used with caution as it may increase the risk of hyponatraemia. This risk is especially high if you are taking diuretics (medications that increase the removal of water and salt from your body via urine). Your blood pressure and sodium levels need to be closely monitored while taking this medicine.
Driving or operating machines
Fluoxetine may cause dizziness, visual disturbances or impair judgement. If you experience such symptoms, avoid driving or operating machines.
Missed Dose
Try not to skip a dose of Fluoxetine. If you miss a dose, take the medicine as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.
Overdose
Do not take excess dose than prescribed by your doctor. Contact your doctor in case of an overdose with Fluoxetine.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol
Description
N/A
Instructions
Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Fluoxetine due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine
Tramadol
Diuretics
Bromocriptine
Amoxapine
Phenytoin
Tamoxifen
Metoprolol
Disease interactions
Glaucoma
Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve (the nerve connecting the eye to the brain) is damaged, usually due to increased pressure in your eyes. Taking Fluoxetine may result in an increased pressure within your eyes. Hence, it should be used with caution if you have a history of glaucoma as it may worsen your condition.
Diabetes
Fluoxetine should be used with caution if you have diabetes as this medicine can alter your blood sugar levels. Hence, closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medicine.
Liver Disease
Fluoxetine should be used with caution if you have pre-existing liver problems as it may lead to an increased concentration of this medicine in your blood and further increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments based on your condition.
Seizure disorders
Seizure is a condition in which there is disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain resulting in abnormal behaviour and loss of consciousness. Fluoxetine should be used with caution if you have seizure disorder as it may increase the risk of triggering seizures.
Mania
Mania/manic episode is a mood disorder with extremely elevated mood and hyperactivity. Fluoxetine may increase the risk of mania, hence it should be used with caution if you have a history of mania.
QT Prolongation
Fluoxetine may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, a condition with an irregular heartbeat. Hence, use this medicine with caution if you have a history of this condition. Your doctor may suggest tests periodically to assess the functioning of your heart.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
Tablet/Capsule: Take Fluoxetine with or without food as instructed by your doctor. Do not chew or crush the tablet/capsule in your mouth.
Suspension: Shake the bottle well before measuring the dose.
Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Avoid the discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor as it may result in withdrawal symptoms.
Fluoxetine may increase your risk of suicidal thoughts. Consult your doctor if you experience any changes in mood or behaviour.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Fluoxetine, as it may cause dizziness and impair judgment.
Do not drive or operate machines if you experience any symptoms that may affect your alertness after taking Fluoxetine.
Miscelleneous
How it works
Fluoxetine works by increasing the levels of a chemical substance in the brain called serotonin. This helps in reducing the symptoms by maintaining normal brain function. Thus, it helps to improve your mood and a feeling of well-being.
Legal Status
Classification
Category
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Antidepressants
Schedule
Schedule H
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Sohel, A., Shutter, M. and Molla, M., 2021. Fluoxetine. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 25 August 2021].
Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 25 August 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Fluoxetine 10 mg Film-coated Tablets - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Fluoxetine 20mg/5ml Oral Solution - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 9 September 2021].
Information on this page was last updated on 20 Sep 2021
Disclaimer
We’ve made all possible efforts to ensure that the information provided here is accurate, up-to-date and complete, however, it should not be treated as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Practo only provides reference source for common information on medicines and does not guarantee its accuracy or exhaustiveness. The absence of a warning for any drug or combination thereof, should not be assumed to indicate that the drug or combination is safe, effective, or appropriate for any given patient. Practo does not assume any responsibility for any aspect of healthcare administered with the aid of information provided above. If you have any doubts about your medication then we strongly recommend that you consult with your doctor, nurse or healthcare provider. See detailed T&C here.