Fluoxetine is used in cases of depression, disorder or obsessive – compulsive disorder, as well as some food disorders and panic attacks. It is also used to treat symptoms of premenstrual dysphonic disorder (known as premenstrual syndrome), mood swings, irritability, swelling and sensitivity of the mammary gland.
Sometimes, Fluoxetine is also used in the case of alcoholism, attention deficit disorder, borderline personality disorder, sleep disorders, headaches, psychiatric diseases, post-traumatic stress disorder, Tourette syndrome, obesity, sexual problems and phobias.
What is Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine is a selective inhibitor of ricapatazione serotonin (SSRIs, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). It works by increasing the amount of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps maintain mental balance.
How should Fluoxetine be taken?
Fluoxetine is taken orally in the form of capsules (also programmed to release), tablets and solutions. The dose may be administered once a day in the morning or twice per day, in the morning and at noon.
Sometimes, the doctor will advise taking the medication certain days of the month. Initially, a low dose may be prescribed and gradually increased whenever necessary.
Side effects associated with Fluoxetine
Possible side effects of fluoxetine include the following:
- Narrow-angle glaucoma
- Nervousness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Sore throat
- Drowsiness
- Weakness
- Uncontrollable tremors
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Sexual problems
- Excessive sweating
You should immediately contact a doctor if the drug triggers:
- Rash
- Urticaria
- Fever
- Articular pains
- Swelling of the face, throat, tongue , lips , eyes, hands, feet, ankles or calves
- Difficulty breathing
- Difficulty swallowing
- Sweating
- Confusion
- Fast or irregular heartbeat
- Severe muscle stiffness
- Visual or auditory hallucinations
- Convulsions
Contraindications and warnings associated with the use of Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine may cause drowsiness and impair the ability to drive and operate hazardous machinery. This side effect can be aggravated by alcohol.
Before fluoxetine’s effect takes over, 4 or 5 weeks to go by may be necessary. It is important not to discontinue the treatment or continue taking it for an extended period without consulting your doctor first. An abrupt discontinuation may trigger unpleasant side effects.
Before taking the drug, it is important to inform your doctor:
- If you have any allergy to fluoxetine or any other medication
- If you are taking any medicinal products, herbal remedies or supplements. Mentioning in particular: pimozide, MAO inhibitors (even if the treatment was discontinued 2 weeks prior), alprazolam, anticoagulants, antidepressants, aspirin and other NSAIDs, clopidogrel, diazepam, digoxin, diuretics, linezolid, flecainide, insulin or oral agents, lithium, drugs for anxiety or Parkinson's, methylene blue, medicines against migraine, anticonvulsants, sedatives, sibutramine, sleeping pills, tramadol, tranquilizers, vinblastine, St.John’s Wort and tryptophan
- If you have suffered a recent stroke, heart attack or if you suffer (or have suffered) from diabetes, seizures, or kidney or heart disease
- If you are pregnant or breastfeeding
