Fluoxetine
About Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine belongs to a group of medicines called antidepressants used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa (eating disorder), and panic disorder. Depression is a mood disorder characterised by the feeling of sadness, unhappiness, anger, hopelessness or loss that interferes with a person’s daily activities.
Fluoxetine contains Fluoxetine, which is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin by nerves, a mood-enhancing chemical messenger in the brain which communicates between brain cells. This helps increase serotonin concentrations in the nerve synapse, thereby regulating mood and treating depression.
Take Fluoxetine as prescribed. You are advised to take Fluoxetine for as long as your doctor has prescribed it for you, depending on your medical condition and response to the treatment. In some cases, you may experience certain common side effects, such as insomnia (difficulty sleeping), headache, diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
Please do not stop taking Fluoxetine on your own, as it could lead to withdrawal symptoms. Do not take Fluoxetine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed. Do not drive or operate machinery as Fluoxetine may cause dizziness and might impair your reactions. Fluoxetine should not be given to children below 8 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Fluoxetine as it could lead to increased dizziness. Keep your doctor informed about your health condition and any medications you are taking to rule out any potential side effects.
Uses of Fluoxetine
• Treats major depressive disorder: Fluoxetine helps improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels by balancing neurotransmitters in the brain.
• Manages obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): Fluoxetine reduces unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviours that interfere with daily life.
• Controls bulimia nervosa: Fluoxetine helps reduce binge-eating and purging behaviours in patients with this eating disorder.
• Alleviates panic disorder: Fluoxetine is effective in reducing the frequency and severity of panic attacks.
Medicinal Benefits
Fluoxetine belongs to a group of antidepressant medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Fluoxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa (eating disorder), and panic disorder with or without agoraphobia. Fluoxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin by nerves, a mood-enhancing chemical messenger in the brain which communicates between brain cells. This helps in an increase in serotonin concentrations in the nerve synapse, thereby helping in regulating mood and treating depression. Fluoxetine may also be used to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (a severe form of premenstrual syndrome). Fluoxetine has fewer unwanted effects than other antidepressant drugs. Fluoxetine is used in combination with other drugs to treat bipolar disorder and treatment-resistant depression.
Directions for Use
• Fluoxetine can be taken with or without food, or as advised by the doctor.
• Follow your doctor's instructions on the dosage and timing of this medication to ensure safety.
• Swallow Fluoxetine as a whole with a glass of water.
• Do not chew, crush or break it.
Storage
Side Effects of Fluoxetine
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
Drug Warnings
Do not take Fluoxetine if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or have taken them in the last 14 days, or if you are taking metoprolol (used to treat high blood pressure). Do not take Fluoxetine along with opioid antagonists such as buprenorphine and naloxone, as it might lead to a serious condition called serotonin syndrome. Consult your doctor immediately if you have suicidal thoughts, such as killing or harming yourself. Inform your doctor if you have/had epilepsy, mania, glaucoma, diabetes, bleeding disorders, or hyponatremia (low sodium levels). Do not take Fluoxetine if you are pregnant or breastfeeding unless prescribed. Do not drive or operate machinery as Fluoxetine may cause dizziness and might impair your reactions. Fluoxetine should not be given to children below 8 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Fluoxetine as it could lead to increased dizziness.
Drug Interactions
Drug-Drug Interactions: Fluoxetine may have an interaction with anti-hypertensive (metoprolol, nebivolol), an opioid antagonist (buprenorphine, naloxone), antibiotic (linezolid), anti-psychotic (pimozide, thioridazine, lithium, risperidone) an antidepressant (methylene blue/methylthioninium chloride, bupropion, Monoamine oxidase inhibitors), anti-arrhythmic (propafenone, flecainide), norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (atomoxetine), hormone (desmopressin), anti-malarial (mefloquine, chloroquine), antihistamine (mequitazine, cyproheptadine), anti-convulsants (oxcarbazepine, carbamazepine, phenytoin), anti-Parkinson’s (selegiline), pain killers (tramadol, ibuprofen, aspirin), serotonin receptor agonists (sumatriptan), blood thinner (warfarin), and anti-cancer medicaitons (tamoxifen).
Drug-Food Interactions: Do not take St. John’s wort (herbal supplement to treat depression) along with Fluoxetine. Avoid consuming alcohol along with Fluoxetine as it may increase the sedative effects.
Drug-Disease Interactions: Inform your doctor if you have glaucoma, diabetes, epilepsy, mania, bleeding problems, hyponatremia (low sodium levels), heart, liver and kidney dysfunction.
Drug-Drug Interactions Checker List:
Safety Advice
Alcohol
unsafeAvoid consumption of alcohol while taking Fluoxetine as it may cause increased dizziness.
Pregnancy
cautionFluoxetine belongs to pregnancy category C. Please consult your doctor before taking Fluoxetine if you are pregnant; your doctor will prescribe only if the benefits outweigh the risks.
Breast Feeding
cautionFluoxetine may pass into breastmilk. Consult your doctor before taking Fluoxetine; your doctor will decide whether breastfeeding mothers can take Fluoxetine or not.
Driving
unsafeFluoxetine may cause dizziness and might impair your reactions. Do not drive or operate machinery if you experience these symptoms.
Liver
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with liver impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have a liver impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Kidney
cautionDose adjustment may be needed in patients with kidney impairment. Please consult your doctor if you have kidney impairment or any concerns regarding this.
Children
cautionFluoxetine should not be given to children below 8 years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintaining a healthy diet and exercising regularly helps improve overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps alleviate stress and promote relaxation.
- Follow a regular sleep pattern to improve the amount and quality of sleep you get.
- Include foods rich in omega fatty acids such as fish, nuts, fresh fruits, vegetables and olive oils.
- Neurotransmitters are made up of amino acids. Amino acid-rich foods such as meat, dairy products, and certain fruits and vegetables help in the proper maintenance of neurotransmitters.
- Complex carbohydrates help in stimulating serotonin (a feel-good neurotransmitter). These include whole grains, legumes, spinach, broccoli, oranges and pears.
- Exercising helps in the production of the body’s natural antidepressants. It also helps relieve stress, improve mood, boost self-esteem, and promote restful sleep.
- Avoid smoking and alcohol consumption.
- Learn about your condition, understand the risk factors and follow the doctor’s treatment plan.
Patients Concern
Disease/Condition Glossary
Major depressive disorder: Major depressive disorder, also known as clinical depression, is a mental health disorder characterised by a persistent and intense feeling of sadness for an extended duration of time. It mainly impacts mood, behaviour, and other physical functions, such as sleep and appetite. Symptoms include sadness, loss of interest, changes in appetite, sleep problems, restlessness, lack of energy, feeling worthless or guilty, thoughts of harming oneself, difficulty in concentrating, making decisions, and thinking. The exact cause of depression is unknown. However, factors such as stress, changes in hormone levels, alcohol or drug abuse, abuse during childhood, certain medical conditions and medications might increase the risk of developing depression.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD): It is a mental disorder which is associated with repetitive thoughts (obsessions) and the urge to do things over and again (compulsions).
Bulimia nervosa: It is a serious eating disorder which is characterised by binge eating followed by methods to avoid overweight, such as vomiting, severe exercise or fasting.
Panic disorder: It is a type of anxiety disorder which causes panic attacks. In this condition, a person experiences a sudden feeling of fear, when, in reality, there is no danger. Symptoms include fast heartbeat, breathing difficulty, chest or stomach pain, weakness or dizziness, and sweating.
FAQs
Fluoxetine is used to treat Depression, Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD), and Bulimia nervosa (eating disorder).
Fluoxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin by nerves, a mood-enhancing chemical messenger in the brain which communicates between brain cells. This helps increase serotonin concentrations in the nerve synapse, thereby regulating mood and treating depression.
Do not discontinue Fluoxetine without consulting your doctor, as it could lead to withdrawal effects. To treat your condition effectually, continue taking Fluoxetine for as long as prescribed. Do not hesitate to consult your doctor if you experience any difficulties while taking Fluoxetine; the doctor may be able to adjust the dose gradually.
Fluoxetine may cause decreased sex-drive, problems with erection and orgasm. Consult your doctor if you have any concerns regarding this.
Dry mouth may be a side effect of Fluoxetine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum or candy may help stimulate saliva and thereby prevent mouth dryness.
Please consult your doctor before taking Fluoxetine if you have glaucoma, as it may cause increased eye pressure.
Consult your doctor before taking Fluoxetine if you are diabetic, as it might fluctuate blood glucose levels. Regular monitoring of blood sugar levels is advised if you are taking Fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor if you experience fluctuations in blood sugar levels.
Fluoxetine might increase the risk of bone fractures. Talk to your doctor before taking Fluoxetine if you have osteoporosis. Consult your doctor if you experience bone pain.
Fluoxetine may cause weight loss due to loss of appetite. Eat a healthy diet and exercise regularly to maintain a healthy weight. Please consult your doctor if you experience fluctuations in weight while taking Fluoxetine.
Fluoxetine can help improve your mood, reduce anxiety, and stabilise your emotions. It can also increase feelings of calmness, relaxation, and overall well-being.
No, Fluoxetine is not a sleeping pill. It contains Fluoxetine, which is an antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is primarily used to treat conditions like depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and panic disorders. While it is not designed to induce sleep, it can sometimes cause side effects related to sleep, such as drowsiness or insomnia, depending on an individual's reaction to the medication.
Fluoxetine contains Fluoxetine, which is an antidepressant used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bulimia nervosa (eating disorder).
Fluoxetine can cause sleepiness as a side effect in some individuals. If you experience sleepiness, take a nap and avoid making decisions, driving, operating heavy machinery, or engaging in activities that require focus until you feel fully alert. Additionally, do not drink alcohol, as it can increase these effects.
Fluoxetine is not typically associated with weight gain. Weight loss is a reported side effect. However, individual responses to the medication can vary, and some people might experience changes in weight over time. Consult the doctor if you have any concerns about weight gain.
Fluoxetine may cause fatigue or tiredness as a side effect, which is a common experience for some individuals taking the medication. However, this symptom often subsides as your body adjusts to the medication. Getting plenty of rest can help alleviate fatigue. If the symptoms worsen or persist, it's essential to consult a doctor for further guidance and relief.
Nausea is a commonly reported side effect of Fluoxetine in some individuals. It vanishes over time as your body adjusts to the medication. If the nausea persists or becomes severe, it's essential to consult your doctor for advice. They may adjust your dosage or suggest ways to manage this side effect.
The duration for which you can take Fluoxetine depends on the condition being treated and your response to the medication. Your doctor will fix the duration based on your health needs. Follow the prescribed schedule and consult your doctor if you have concerns or wish to adjust treatment. Never discontinue Fluoxetine without medical guidance to avoid potential complications.
You can take Fluoxetine with paracetamol, as there have been no significant interactions reported between them. However, it's always best to consult your doctor before taking any medications with Fluoxetine to ensure safe and effective treatment.
There is no widely reported interaction between Fluoxetine and birth control pills. However, individual responses to medications can vary, and certain factors, such as your overall health, other medications, or specific birth control formulations, may influence interactions. Discuss with a doctor if you need to take birth control pills; they will provide you with guidance.
Fluoxetine may cause addiction when taken in more than the recommended doses and for a longer time, as it belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It regulates and maintains mental health balance. Hence, it may cause physical dependence and withdrawal symptoms when stopped abruptly. Therefore, take Fluoxetine precisely as directed by your doctor and do not exceed the recommended guidelines.
No, Fluoxetine is not safe during pregnancy, especially in the last few months of pregnancy. It may cause problems in newborns after delivery. Inform your doctor if you're pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding; they will provide you with the appropriate treatment suitable for you.
The common side effects of Fluoxetine that may occur in some individuals include insomnia (difficulty sleeping), headache, diarrhoea, nausea, fatigue, dry mouth, loss of appetite, and indigestion. Most of these side effects do not require medical attention and will resolve gradually over time. However, you are advised to talk to your doctor if you experience these side effects persistently.
