What is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is a drug classified in the group known as Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors.

Uses

Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphonic disorder also known as PMDD.
It is also used with another medicine called Zyprexa to treat depression.

Warnings

Suicidal thoughts may come to your mind in the first period of your course. This condition occurs more in people less than 24 years of age. Your doctor may need to check you regularly for the first 3 months of the course.
Do not use Fluoxetine if you have bee prescribed before the following medications:

• Orap;
• Mellaril; or
• An MAO inhibitor.

Using these together may result in fatal reactions. You must wait for 14 days after usage of an MAO inhibitor before you can use Fluoxetine.
Before using Fluoxetine inform your doctor about any allergies that you are facing. Or if you have the following diseases:

• Kidney disease;
• Diabetes;
• Seizures or Epilepsy;
• Cirrhosis of the liver or
• A history of drug abuse.

You might not be able to use Fluoxetine if you have these. You might be wanted to undergo some tests before allowing you to use Fluoxetine.
Fluoxetine may cause life threatening lung problems in unborn babies. DO not use this medicine if you are pregnant. Inform your doctor before hand of any pregnant state or any future planned pregnancy.
This may pass into breast milk and may cause harm to a nursing baby. Do not use this medicine if you are nursing a baby.

How should I take Fluoxetine?

Your doctor may alter your dose from time to time to get maximum benefit from Fluoxetine.
If you are using an Extended Release Tablet then does not chew, break or open it. The pill is specially designed to release preset amount of drug in the body. If you do so then too much of the drug releases in the body at once.
The liquid intake of Fluoxetine should be taken exactly the same amount as prescribed. You can measure your dose with a measuring spoon or with a measuring cup. DO not use a regular spoon for measuring your dose. It may take more than a month before you feel better. Do not stop the use of this medicine without prior permission from your doctor. Stopping suddenly will cause unpleasant side effects.
Your doctor may occasionally change your dose to make sure you get the best results

What happens if I overdose?

Immediate medical help should be given to a person who takes an over dose.
An overdose may cause nausea, vomiting, sleepiness, uneven heartbeat, seizures or coma.

Fluoxetine side effects

Immediately contact your doctor if you face the following serious side effects. These are less likely to occur:

• Severe blistering;
• Red skin rashes;
• Rigid muscles;
• Tremors;
• Loss of appetite;
• Nausea;
• Vomiting;
• Headache or
• Hallucinations.

Less serious side effects are more likely to take place. These include:

• Stuffy nose;
• Sneezing
• Dizziness;
• Mild Nausea;
• Upset stomach;
• Weight changes;
• Decreased sex drive;
• Impotency; or
• Dry mouth.

Proper storage of Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is to be stored at room temperature. Room temperature: 68 to 77 Degrees F or 20 to 25o C. It is to be kept in a tightly closed container. Keep Fluoxetine away from sunlight, heat and moisture. Do not place it in bathrooms. Keep Fluoxetine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

General information

For more information about Fluoxetine consult your doctor or pharmacist. If your symptoms get worse after using this drug then inform this to your doctor.
Fluoxetine is to be used only for the person it is prescribed for. Do not share your medication.

What happens if I miss a dose?

If the patient misses a dose then take the missed dose as soon as possible. If the scheduled next dose is near then skip the missed dose. Continue the rest of the course as usual. Do not take any other medicine to cover up the missed dose.