Fluoxetine – what it is, what it is for and side effects!

Fluoxetine is a prescription drug, it comes as a capsule, delayed-release capsule, tablet and solution. Also, all forms are taken orally. (A delayed-release capsule is released into your body more slowly.)

Fluoxetine oral capsule is available as the brand name drugs Prozac and Prozac Weekly. It is also available as a generic drug. Generic drugs often cost less than branded versions. Also, in some cases, they may not be available in all strengths or forms as branded drugs.

Fluoxetine oral capsule can be used as part of a combination therapy. Also, it means you may need to take it with other medications. For the treatment of depressive episodes related to bipolar I disorder and treatment-resistant depression, this medicine should be used with olanzapine.

How Should I Take Fluoxetine?

Take Fluoxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Also, all possible dosages and drug forms may not be included here. Your dosage, pharmaceutical form and how often you take the drug will depend on:

• Your age;
• The condition to be treated;
• How severe is your condition;
• Other medical conditions you have;
• How do you react to the first dose.

Dosage for Bulimia Nervosa:

Generic: fluoxetine

• Shape: oral capsule
• Strengths: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg

Brand: Prozac

• Shape: oral capsule
• Strengths: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg

Dosage for adults (18 to 64 years)

• typical: 60 mg daily in the morning.

Dosage for children (ages 0 to 17 years)

This drug has not been studied in children for this condition. Not to be used on persons under 18 years of age.

Senior Dosage (age 65 and over)

Elderly people may have a higher risk of side effects from this drug. Because of this risk, your doctor may lower your dose or reduce the frequency with which you take the medicine.

Dosage for Major Depressive Disorder:

Generic: fluoxetine

• Shape: oral capsule
• Strengths: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg
• Form: delayed-release oral capsule
• Strength: 90mg

Brand: Prozac

• Shape: oral capsule
• Strengths: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg

Dosage for Panic Disorder:

Generic: fluoxetine

• Shape: oral capsule
• Strengths: 10mg, 20mg, 40mg

What Happens if I Miss a Dose?

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. Skip the missed dose if it is almost time for your next scheduled dose. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose. If you miss a dose of Fluoxetine , take the missed dose as soon as you remember and take the next dose 7 days later.

However, if it is almost time for your next regularly scheduled weekly dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up for the missed dose.

What Should I Avoid While Taking Fluoxetine?

Alcohol consumption can increase some Fluoxetine side effects . Also, ask your doctor before taking a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or swelling.

This includes aspirin , ibuprofen , naproxen , celecoxib, diclofenac, indomethacin, meloxicam and others. Using an NSAID with Fluoxetine can cause injury or bleeding. This medicine may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be alert.

Precautions Before Taking Fluoxetine:

Do not use Fluoxetine if you have taken an MAO inhibitor within the last 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction may occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline and tranylcypromine.

• Liver cirrhosis;
• In addition, kidney disease;
• Diabetes;
• In addition, narrow-angle glaucoma;
• Seizures or epilepsy ;
• Also, bipolar disorder (depressive mania);
• A history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts;
• Also, if you are being treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

Fluoxetine side effects:

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to fluoxetine : rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat. In addition, the common side effects of Fluoxetine may include:

• Also, sleep problems ( insomnia ), strange dreams;
• Headache , dizziness, vision changes;
• Also, tremors or tremors, feeling anxious or nervous;
• Pain, weakness, yawning, feeling tired;
• Also, stomach pain, loss of appetite , nausea, vomiting , diarrhea ;
• Dry mouth, sweating, hot flashes;
• Also, changes in weight or appetite;
• Stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat , flu symptoms ; or
• Also, decreased sexual desire, impotence or difficulty having an orgasm.