Fluoxetine

What is Fluoxetine and why is it prescribed?

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, some eating disorders, and panic attacks. Fluoxetine is in a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain that helps maintain mental balance.

How is this medication taken?

Fluoxetine is available as a capsule, a tablet, and a solution (liquid) to take by mouth. It may be taken with or without food and is usually taken once a day in the morning or twice a day, in the morning and at noon. Take it around the same time every day that way you won't forget. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Fluoxetine exactly as directed.

It may take 4 - 5 weeks or longer before you feel the full benefit of Fluoxetine. Continue to take Fluoxetine even if you feel well. Do not stop taking it without talking to your doctor first.

What should I know and/or do before taking Fluoxetine?

• tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to Fluoxetine or any other medications
  
• do not take it if you are taking monoamine oxidase (MAO) inhibitors, includig Nardil and Parnate, or have stopped taking them within the past 2 weeks. Do not take fluoxetine with thioridazine (Mellaril).
  
• tell your doctor and pharmacist what other prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: alprazolam (Xanax); anticoagulants; antidepressants; aspirin and other nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications (NSAIDs); diazepam (Valium); digoxin (Lanoxin); flecainide (Tambocor); insulin or oral medications for diabetes; lithium (Eskalith, Lithobid); medications for anxiety and Parkinson's disease; medications for mental illness; medications for seizures; sedatives; sleeping pills; sumatriptan (Imitrex); tranquilizers; tryptophan; and vinblastine (Velban). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.
  
• tell your doctor if you or anyone in your family has or has ever had depression, bipolar disorder, or mania, or if you or anyone in your family has thought about or attempted suicide. Also tell your doctor if you have recently had a heart attack and if you have or have ever had diabetes, seizures, or liver or heart disease.
  
• tell your doctor if you are pregnant, plan to become pregnant, or are breast-feeding. If you become pregnant while taking fluoxetine, call your doctor.
  
• you should know that Fluoxetine may make you drowsy. Do not drive a car or operate machinery until you know how this medication affects you.
  
• remember that alcohol can add to the drowsiness caused by this medication.
  
• you should know that your mental health may change in unexpected ways, especially at the beginning of your treatment and at any time your dose is increased or decreased. These changes may occur at any time if you have depression or other mental illness, whether or not you are taking fluoxetine or any other medication. You, your family, or your caregiver should call your doctor right away if you experience any of the following symptoms: new or worsening depression; thinking about harming or killing yourself, or planning or trying to do so; extreme worry; agitation; panic attacks; difficulty falling or staying asleep; irritability; aggressive behavior; acting without thinking; severe restlessness; and frenzied, abnormal excitement.Be sure that your family or caregiver knows which symptoms may be serious so they can call the doctor when you are unable to seek treatment on your own.

Are there any side effects?

• nervousness
  
• difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
  
• upset stomach
  
• dry mouth
  
• sore throat
  
• drowsiness
  
• weakness
  
• shaking hands
  
• loss of appetite
  
• weight loss
  
• changes in sex drive or ability
  
• excessive sweating

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

• skin rash
  
• hives
  
• fever
  
• joint pain
  
• swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
  
• difficulty breathing or swallowing
  
• seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
  
• seizure

If side effects persist or worsen while taking Fluoxetine, consult your doctor immediately.

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