Fluoxetine

Information about Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine Uses

Fluoxetine is used in the treatment of depression, Panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

How Fluoxetine works

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.

Common side effects of Fluoxetine

Weakness, Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Nervousness, Anxiety, Blurred vision, Decreased libido, Fatigue, Frequent urge to urinate, Gastrointestinal disturbance, Headache, Palpitations, Prolonged QT interval
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MD Pharmacology, MBBS
Last updated
13 Jun 2023 | 11:26 AM (UTC)

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Available Medicine for Fluoxetine

FludacCadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd
37 to ₹1245 variant(s)
FlunilIntas Pharmaceuticals Ltd
37 to ₹1245 variant(s)
ProdepSun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd
35 to ₹1245 variant(s)
FluteeTalent India
44 to ₹1243 variant(s)
FloatinIcon Life Sciences
32 to ₹984 variant(s)
F TinA N Pharmacia
34 to ₹1035 variant(s)
FlumodShine Pharmaceuticals Ltd
29 to ₹442 variant(s)
TritinTripada Healthcare Pvt Ltd
24 to ₹584 variant(s)
FlutopCrescent Therapeutics Ltd
36 to ₹2135 variant(s)
VetodepKivi Labs Ltd
39 to ₹753 variant(s)

Expert advice for Fluoxetine

  • Take Fluoxetine in the morning since it can keep you awake if taken late at night.
  • It may cause anxiety and agitation when you first start taking it.
  • It may cause weight loss and decreased appetite.
  • Don't drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Fluoxetine affects you.
  • Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
  • Inform your doctor if you experience difficulty having an orgasm or have decreased sex drive.
  • The addiction/dependence potential of Fluoxetine is very less.
  • Do not stop treatment suddenly without consulting your doctor as that may lead to agitation, anxiety, and dysphoria.

Frequently asked questions for Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine

Q. What is Fluoxetine? What is it used for?

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug and belongs to the class of selective serotonin re−uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In adults, this medicine is used to treat major depressive episodes, eating disorder (bulimia nervosa) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In children and adolescents aged eight years and above, it is used to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder.

Q. Does Fluoxetine cause sleepiness?

Somnolence (sleepiness) is a common side effect of Fluoxetine. However, Fluoxetine can also cause other sleep problems like insomnia (inability to sleep) and abnormal dreams. You must talk to your doctor if you experience sleep problems while taking Fluoxetine.

Q. Does Fluoxetine cause weight gain?

Fluoxetine does not cause weight gain, rather it causes weight loss, which is a common side effect seen with its use. Weight loss is usually proportional to baseline body weight. Please consult your doctor if you experience a change in weight while taking Fluoxetine.

Q. Does Fluoxetine make you tired?

Fluoxetine can make you feel tired. Fatigue (extreme tiredness) is a very common side effect of Fluoxetine. Please consult your doctor if you experience excessive tiredness while taking it as the dose may need to be changed.

Q. How long can I take Fluoxetine for?

You should take Fluoxetine only for the duration advised by your doctor. You should not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Q. Does Fluoxetine cause nausea?

Nausea is a very common side effect of Fluoxetine. Please consult your doctor if you experience excessive nausea while taking Fluoxetine.

Q. Can I take Fluoxetine with paracetamol?

Fluoxetine can be taken with paracetamol. However, when taken together paracetamol can increase the antidepressant effect of Fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor before taking the two medicines as there could be other effects of using the two medicines together.

Q. Can I take Fluoxetine with birth control pills?

Fluoxetine can be taken with birth control pills. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, this does not mean that interactions cannot occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

Q. Is Fluoxetine addictive?

No, Fluoxetine is not addictive in nature. No habit-forming potential has been seen with its use. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding the duration of its use.

Q. Is Fluoxetine safe in pregnancy?

There have been some reports showing an increased risk of birth defects affecting the heart in babies when the mother took Fluoxetine during the first few months of pregnancy. When taken during the last three months of pregnancy, it may increase the risk of a serious condition in babies, called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). In this condition, the baby breathes faster and appears bluish. These symptoms usually begin during the first 24 hours after the baby is born. So, it is advisable not to use Fluoxetine during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.

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