Fluoxetine: Side Effects, Uses, Interaction and Precautions

What is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant used to treat major depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Fluoxetine is also used to treat premature ejaculation. It is taken by mouth.

Fluoxetine belongs to a group of drugs called Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). Fluoxetine is sold under the brand names - Prozac, Selfemra, Sarafem and Rapiflux.

Fluoxetine was first discovered by Eli Lilly and Company in 1972 and came into the medical use in 1986. It is available as a generic medicine.

How to Use :

Use Fluoxetine exactly as directed by your doctor. Follow all the instructions described on your prescription label. Do not take it in larger or smaller amounts or for longer than recommended.

It is better to take this medicine at a fixed time. Store it at room temperature (10-30°C).

Fluoxetine Side Effects :

Common Fluoxetine side effects may include (1) -

Nausea
Drowsiness
Anxiety
Dizziness
Loss of appetite
Tiredness
Sweating
Yawning
Trouble sleeping (insomnia)

Tell your doctor right away if you see any serious side effects, including -

Muscle weakness
Shakiness (tremor)
Easy bruising or bleeding
Decreased interest in sex
Unusual weight loss
Changes in sexual ability
Unusual or severe mental or mood changes such as agitation, thoughts of suicide, unusual high energy, excitement

Get medical help immediately if you see any serious side effects, including -

Seizures
Coffee colored vomit
Widened pupils
Bloody or black colored stools
Signs of kidney problems
Blurred vision
Eye pain or swelling, seeing halos around lights

Interactions :

Some drugs may interact with Fluoxetine. Tell your doctor about the medication you are currently taking. Do not stop, start or change the dose of any medicine without your doctor's approval. Tell your doctor if you are using any other medications; such as (1) (2) (3) -

Other antidepressants
St. John's Wort
Asthma medicines
Tryptophan
Blood thinners such as warfarin, jantoven, coumadin
Monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors
Methamphetamine
Medicines to treat high blood pressure
Medication to treat mental disorders such as buspirone, amitriptyline, nortriptyline, desipramine, lithium
Amphetamine
Medication to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) or narcolepsy such as adderall, ritalin, concerta, vyvanse, zenzedi
Medication to treat migraine headaches such as zolmitriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan
Medicines for narcotic pain such as fentanyl, tramadol

Precautions :

Before taking this medication, tell your doctor or health care provider if you are allergic to it or if you have a history of any other allergies.

Before using Fluoxetine, tell your doctor about your medical history; especially of (1) -

Seizures
Liver problems
Diabetes
Low sodium in the blood
Personal or family history of suicide attempts
Electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Severe loss of body water (dehydration)
Stomach or intestinal ulcers
Personal or family history of glaucoma
Personal or family history of bipolar or manic depressive disorder

Tell your doctor or health care provider about all other antidepressants you take, especially - celexa, zoloft, luvox, paxil, pexeva, effexor, symbyax, viibryd, cymbalta or desyrel. (1)

It is not recommended to consume alcohol during the treatment. It may increase the risk of many health side effects such as dizziness, confusion, drowsiness and difficulty concentrating.

Do not perform activities that need high mental alertness such as driving a vehicle or operating machinery.

Fluoxetine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Ask your doctor if you are pregnant or planning to get pregnant.

It is not clear if Fluoxetine passes into breast milk. Consult your doctor if you're breast-feeding.

Overdose :

Fluoxetine overdose side effects may include (3) -

Nervous System Effects :

Anxiety
Nervousness
Insomnia
Tremor
Dizziness
Drowsiness
Fatigue or asthenia
Lightheadedness

Gastrointestinal Effects :

Nausea
Diarrhea
Vasodilation
Anorexia symptoms
Dry mouth
Abnormal vision

Other Effects :

Seek emergency medical help or call at 1-800-222-1222.

Missed Dose :

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is almost the time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take extra drug to make up the missed dose.

Try to take this medicine at the same time.