Fluoxetine
About
Fluoxetine belongs to a group of medicines called antidepressants used to treat a 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 in an increase in serotonin concentrations in the nerve synapse, thereby helps in regulating mood and treats 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 8years 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 medicines to rule out any side-effects.
Uses of Fluoxetine
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 helps in regulating mood and treats 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
Storage
Side Effects of Fluoxetine
- Insomnia (difficulty sleeping)
- Headache
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Indigestion
In-Depth Precautions and Warning
Drug Warnings
Do not take Fluoxetine if you are allergic to any of its contents; if you are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MOA) or have taken them in the last 14days, 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 8years 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 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), anti-cancer (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 Fluoxetine can be taken by breastfeeding mothers 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 8years as the safety and effectiveness have not been established.
Habit Forming
Diet & Lifestyle Advise
- Maintain a healthy diet and exercise regularly helps in improving overall health and boosts self-esteem.
- Regularly attend therapy sessions.
- Perform meditation and yoga. This helps in relieving stress and provides 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 in relieving stress, improving mood, boosts self-esteem, and provides 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 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 helps in regulating mood and treats depression.
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.
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 be reluctant to speak with your doctor if you feel any difficulty while taking Fluoxetine; the doctor may reduce 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 could be a side-effect of Fluoxetine. Limiting caffeine intake, avoiding smoking and mouthwashes containing alcohol, drinking water regularly, and chewing sugar-free gum/candy might help in stimulating saliva and thereby prevents drying of the mouth.
Please consult your doctor before taking Fluoxetine if you have glaucoma as it might cause increased pressure in the eye.
Consult tour 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.
