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, Rash, Anxiety, Blurred vision, Decreased libido, Fatigue, Frequent urge to urinate, Gastrointestinal disturbance, Headache, Palpitations, Prolonged QT interval, Arrhythmia (irregular heartbeats), Discomfort when urinating, Dilatation of pupil, Delusion, Photosensitivity, Micturition disorders, SIADH (water retention due to excessive ADH), Serotonin syndrome
Available Medicine for Fluoxetine
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.