What is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is a prescription drug used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, and some eating disorders. It works by increasing the levels of the serotonin neurotransmitter in the brain, which enhances mood and decreases anxiety.

How to Take Fluoxetine?

Take fluoxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor, usually once a day in the morning. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand.

Fluoxetine Side Effects

The most common side effects include nausea, headache, anxiety, drowsiness, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. If you experience any severe side effects such as chest pain, difficulty breathing, or suicidal thoughts, seek medical attention immediately.

How to Take Fluoxetine

Take fluoxetine exactly as prescribed by your doctor. Follow all directions on your prescription label. Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results.

• Swallow the capsule whole, do not crush, chew, break or open it.
• Take fluoxetine at the same time each day, with or without food.
• If you miss a dose of fluoxetine, 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 the missed dose.

It may take up to 4 weeks before your symptoms improve. Keep using the medication as directed

Fluoxetine Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have signs of an allergic reaction to fluoxetine: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have:

• High levels of serotonin in the body – agitation, hallucinations, fever, sweating, shivering, fast heart rate, muscle stiffness, twitching, loss of coordination, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea.
• Low levels of sodium in the body – headache, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, vomiting, feeling unsteady;
• Severe nervous system reaction – very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out.
• Common fluoxetine side effects may include:
• Sleep problems, strange dreams;
• Headache, dizziness, sweating;
• Feeling shaky, anxious, nervous, or irritable;
• Indigestion, nausea, diarrhea, loss of appetite;
• Changes in weight or appetite;
• Dry mouth, yawning;
• Decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm.

Warnings

Do not take fluoxetine if you are allergic to fluoxetine or any of the ingredients in fluoxetine capsules. Do not use fluoxetine if you have taken a MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days. A dangerous drug interaction could occur. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine.

Fluoxetine is not approved for use by anyone younger than 18 years old.