Fluoxetine
Brand name Prozac
Used in the following combined preparations None
General Information
Fluoxetine belongs to a relatively new group of antidepressants called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Drugs of this type tend to cause less sedation and have fewer side effects than older antidepressants. Fluoxetine elevates mood, increases the patient’s physical activity, and restores interest in everyday activities.
Fluoxetine is broken down slowly and remains in the body for several weeks after treatment is stopped. Headache, nausea, restlessness, and insomnia are common side effects. As well as being used to treat depression, fluoxetine is also used to reduce binge eating and purging activity (bulimia nervosa) and to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Information for Users
Your drug prescription is tailored for you. Diet advice Do not alter dosage without checking None. with your doctor.
How taken
Capsules, liquid.
Frequency and timing of doses
Once daily in the morning.
Adult dosage range
20-60mg daily.
Onset of effect
Some benefits may appear within 14 days, but full benefits may not be felt for 4 weeks or more.
Duration of action
Beneficial effects may last for up to 6 weeks following prolonged treatment. Adverse effects may wear off within a few days.
Storage
Keep in a closed container in a cool, dry place out of the reach of children.
Missed dose
Take as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due within 8 hours, take a single dose now and skip the next.
Stopping the drug
Do not stop the drug without consulting your doctor, who may supervise a gradual reduction in dosage.
Exceeding the dose
An occasional unintentional extra dose is unlikely to cause problems. Large overdoses may cause adverse effects. Notify your doctor.
Possible Adverse Effects
The most common adverse effects of this drug are restlessness, insomnia, and intestinal
irregularities. Fluoxetine produces fewer anticholinergic side effects than the tricyclics.
Interactions
All drugs having a sedative effect on the central nervous system may increase the sedative effects of fluoxetine.
Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Fluoxetine should not be started less than 14 days after stopping an MAOI as serious adverse effects can occur (this does not apply with moclobemide). An MAOI should not be started less than 5 weeks after fluoxetine is stopped.
Lithium
Changes in serum lithium levels can occur.
Other antidepressants
Fluoxetine reduces the breakdown of tricyclic antidepressants and may result in sedation, dry mouth, and constipation.
Tryptophan
Taken together, tryptophan and fluoxetine may produce agitation, restlessness, and gastric distress.
Quick Reference
Drug group Antidepressant
Overdose danger rating Medium
Dependence rating Low
Prescription needed Yes
Available as generic No
Special Precautions
Be sure to tell your doctor if:
You have long-term liver or kidney problems.
You have heart problems. You have diabetes.
You have had epileptic fits.
You have previously had an allergic reaction to fluoxetine or other SSRIs.
You are taking other medications.
Pregnancy
Safety in pregnancy not established. Discuss with your doctor.
Breast-feeding
The drug passes into the breast milk. Discuss with your doctor.
Infants and children
Safety and effectiveness not established.
Over 60
No special problems.
Driving and hazardous work
Avoid such activities until you have learned how fluoxetine affects you because the drug can cause drowsiness and affect your judgment and coordination.
Alcohol
No special problems.
Prolonged Use
No problems expected. Side effects tend to decrease with time.
