Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine General Information

Generic Name: fluoxetine

Brand Name: Prozac; Prozac Weekly; Rapiflux; Sarafem; Selfemra

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant. It works by balancing and restoring certain natural substances in the brain that helps to improve certain mood problemsFluoxetineis mostly used to treat major depressive disorders, anxiety and panic disorders. However, Fluoxetinemay be used also for other purposes not listed here.

Fluoxetine should not be taken if the patient is allergic to medication or the person concerned is taking an inhibitor MAOI (monoamine oxidize inhibitor). When a personfirst start taking an antidepressant in an young age, the doctor will have to check the patient at regular interval during the first 2 weeks of the total 12.weeks treatment.

FluoxetineUses

If the patient is taking MAOI, then for at least 14 dayshas to be passed after stopping MAOI, before he can take Fluoxetine. When the Fluoxetineintake is stopped, one has to wait for seven days before he can start taking MAOI. Before using Fluoxetine, the patient should tell the doctor whether he is allergic to any medication or he has thedisorders like: bipolar disorder, cirrhosis, kidney disease, high blood pressure, glaucoma, seizure, bleeding and blood clotting, high cholesterol. The doctor should be told how frequently the mood didchange during first few weeks of treatment,when the worsening symptoms of depression engulfs everybody including the family members of the patient. During this phase, the patient even try to commit suicide. During this phase care givers and family members have to be extremely careful alert about the change in mood or symptoms of the patient. Effexor is harmful to an unborn baby especially if the mother takes the medication during the third trimester. Pregnancy and any plan to become pregnant must be told to the doctor. Fluoxetinemay pass into breast milk. So, breast feeding mother should not use this medication without informing the doctor about the same. Under 18 years, this medication should not be given without doctor's advice.

How Take Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine must be taken as prescribed by the doctor. This medication should not be taken in large quantity nor the time of application or use prolonged than what is stipulated by the doctor. The doctor may change occasionally the dose so that the best result is obtained. Prescription label direction to be followed. This particular medication must be taken with a full glass of water. Fluoxetine should be taken with food. Fluoxetinecapsule should be swallowed in full without chewing or crushing. To make the swallowing easier, the capsule may be opened carefully and the medicine may be sprinkled on a small amount of applesauce or some other fruit beverage as advised. The complete mixture should be swallowed without chewing without leaving any left overs. Fluoxetine should be taken at the same time every day. It may take 4 weeks or more for symptoms to improve. The medication should be continued as directed for best results. Fluoxetine should not be stopped without taking doctor's concurrence to do so. Sudden stoppage may have adverse side effects.

Fluoxetine Warnings

Alcohol increases side effects of Fluoxetine and should be avoided. Since this medication is likely to cause some impairment in thinking and affect reflexes. One should be very careful in driving or any other work that needs awakening or alertness.

Fluoxetine Missed Dose

Any missed dose as soon as remembered should be taken.But, if it is almost time for the next dose, the missed dose may be skipped and the next schedule dose must be taken at the appropriate time. No extra dose to be taken to compensate the missed dose.

FluoxetineSide Effects

Emergency medical help must be sought in case of the following allergic reactions are noticed or felt: breathing difficulty, hive, swelling of lips, tongue, face, or throat. Fluoxetineuse should be stopped and the Doctor should be informed if the patient has any new symptoms: mood changes, anxiety, panic attacktrouble sleeping, irritability, agitation, aggressiveness, severe restlessness, mania, thoughts of suicide or hurting oneself

Doctor has to be called in case the following side effects are noticed or experienced:

Increased blood pressure
Frequent change of moods
Easy bruising or bleeding
Severe blistering, peeling and red skin rash
Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady
Headache, weakness, trouble concentrating, memory problems, fainting, seizures

There may be less serious side effects like dry mouth and dry eyes, blurred vision, decreased sex drive, impotence, difficulty having an orgasm, increased appetite. However, this is not a complete list of side effects and there may be others that may occur

Fluoxetine Storage Advice

Fluoxetine should be stored in room temperature away from moisture and heat.

FluoxetineOverdose

Incase of suspected overdose of Fluoxetine, emergency room or poison control center should be called. Fluoxetine overdose symptoms in such cases are: dizziness, sleepiness, numbness or tingling in hands or feet, nausea.

FluoxetineMore Information

Pharmacist can be source of more information about Fluoxetinesince he or she has the additional information about Fluoxetine written for health professional which may a source of additional information. One must take additional care to keep the medicines out of reach from children, never share the medicine with others and use the medication only for the indication prescribed.