Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and panic disorder.
It is also used together with olanzapine to treat depression that is part of bipolar disorder.
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.
Major & minor side effects for Fluoxetine
- Skin rash
- Restlessness
- Fever or chills
- Muscle or joint pain
- Anxiety
- Increased sweating
- Dry mouth
- Decreased appetite
- Abnormal dreams
- Frequent urination
- Changes in vision
- Convulsions (seizures)
This medicine is not recommended for pregnant and breastfeeding women unless absolutely necessary.
Use with caution in patients with major depressive disorder due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts.
Use with caution in the patients who are on NSAIDs, aspirin, or warfarin due to an increase in the risk of excessive bleeding.
This medicine is known to cause either weight loss or weight gain.
This medicine may alter the blood glucose levels in diabetic patients.
Do not stop the use of this medicine suddenly since this may cause withdrawal symptoms such as nausea, headache, anxiety, dizziness, and irritability.
Use with caution in the patients with kidney diseases due to an increase in the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
Use with caution in patients with liver function impairment due to an increase in the risk of worsening of the patient's condition.
This medicine may cause hyponatremia in some patients.