Fluoxetine: An anti-depressant

Fluoxetine hydrochloride is the third most prescribed anti-depressant in the USA. Over 23 million prescriptions were filled during 2006. Used by many in the battle against depression and related illnesses.

Drug Uses

Used for the treatment of bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphonic disorder, clinical depression and other similar illnesses. Fluoxetine is also used to treat patients with hypochondriasis or body dysmorphic disorder.

How to Take Drug

Available in 10, 20 or 40 mg capsules, Fluoxetine should be taken once or twice daily at regular times as part of your daily routine. Symptom relief will not be felt for up to 4 weeks (five weeks for those suffering from obsessive-compulsive disorder) but will continue for approximately 9 months after a 3 month treatment.

Drug Precautions

People recovering from a heart attack or who have liver disease or diabetes should not use this drug. Those who have had seizures should use this medicine with caution. Fluoxetine may cause drowsiness and affect your judgment therefore avoid driving, using dangerous machinery or any activity requiring you to be fully alert. Light-headedness, fainting or dizziness may occur but getting up slowly should help, if not then consult your doctor.

Please see your physician immediately in any of the following cases:

- If you get hives or skin rashes (discontinue treatment).
- Fluoxetine can cause diminished appetite leading to weight loss, report any changes in your weight or appetite.
- If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. The effects of this drug on pregnant women have not been fully studied. Fluoxetine does appear in breast milk and therefore breastfeeding is discouraged during treatment.

Drug Interactions

Avoid taking MAO Inhibitors before, during or after a period of Fluoxetine treatment. Taking Fluoxetine with other drugs may cause overdose symptoms, please see below.

Side Effects

Common side effects include anxiety and nervousness, abnormal dreams or vision, abnormal ejaculation or impotency, diminished sex drive, flu-like symptoms (headache, dry mouth, sore throat and sinusitis), and loss of appetite, nausea, frequent yawning and feeling sleepy, sweating, tremors or vomiting, feeling weak, a rash or itching sensation.

Other side effects include fever or chills, agitation, confusion or palpitations, weight gain, abnormal taste sensation or increase in appetite, sleep disorders, feeling of emotional instability, frequent urination , memory loss, ear pain or ringing sensation, bleeding problems, increase in blood pressure.

Nosebleeds, thirst, excessive menstrual bleeding, hyperactivity, mania, hypomania, changes in personality and feelings may occur in children and adolescents whilst taking this drug.

Other symptoms or effects may become apparent, any unusual changes or symptoms should be reported to your physician immediately.

Missed Dose

If for any reason a dose has been missed only by a few hours or during the same day then the missed dose can be taken and normal routine resumed immediately. If however the dose is completely missed then it should be skipped and normal routine resumed. Two doses should never be taken together at the same time.

Overdose

An overdose of Fluoxetine can be fatal, if an overdose if suspected then medical assistance should be sought immediately. Overdose symptoms can include vomiting or nausea, sleepiness, fast or irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, sweating, delirium or coma, mania, high temperature, muscle rigidity, fainting.

Storage

The ideal condition of storage is to store it in between 20-25 degrees C / 68-77degrees F in a dry place away from children and animals.