Fluoxetine (Prozac)

Fluoxetine Review

Fluoxetine is a drug used medically in the treatment of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and many other disorders. It is a psychotropic drug for oral administration

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Fluoxetine Drug Class and Mechanism

Fluoxetine is in a new class of antidepressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Fluoxetine is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affects the action of serotonin. Fluoxetine does not have MAO activity.

Fluoxetine Uses

Fluoxetine has been approved by the FDA for the treatment of clinical depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa and panic disorder.[9] Fluoxetine was shown to be effective for depression in 6-week long double-blind controlled trials where it also alleviated anxiety and improved sleep. Fluoxetine was better than placebo for the prevention of depression recurrence when the patients, who originally responded to fluoxetine, were treated for a further 38 weeks. Efficacy of fluoxetine for geriatric as well as pediatric depression was also demonstrated placebo-controlled trials The peculiar pharmacokinetics of fluoxetine with its brain levels rising extremely slowly over at least first 5 weeks of treatment (see Fluoxetine#Pharmacokinetics) makes it unclear whether the 20-mg/day optimal dose established in the short term (6-8 weeks) trials is applicable for the longer term supportive treatment. One 60-mg dose of fluoxetine per week was found to be equivalent to 20 mg/day for the continuation treatment of responders to 20 mg/day of fluoxetine.[10][11] Furthermore, 5 mg/day fluoxetine was shown to be better than placebo and similar to 20 mg/day,[12] and one weekly dose of 80 mg fluoxetine was equivalent to 60 mg/day fluoxetine or 150 mg/day amitriptyline.[11] On the other hand, increase of the dose to 60 mg/day in non-responders to 20 mg/mg brought no additional benefits as compared to the continuing the 20 mg/day treatment

Fluoxetine Side Effects

Side effects

Fluoxetine may cause side effects:

nervousness
difficulty falling asleep or staying asleep
upset stomach
dry mouth
sore throat
drowsiness
weakness
shaking hands that you cannot control
loss of appetite
weight loss
changes in sex drive or ability
excessive sweating
Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon:

skin rash
hives
fever
joint pain
swelling of the face, throat, tongue, lips, eyes, hands, feet, ankles, or lower legs
difficulty breathing or swallowing
seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
seizure
Fluoxetine may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking this medication.

Symptoms of overdose may include:

unsteadiness
confusion
unresponsiveness
nervousness
shaking hands that you cannot control
dizziness
rapid, irregular, or pounding heartbeat
seeing things or hearing voices that do not exist (hallucinating)
fever
fainting
coma
Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Do not let anyone else take your medicines.

Fluoxetine Pregnancy

Fluoxetine Overdose

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Fluoxetine can be fatal. In addition, combining Fluoxetine with certain other drugs can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately. Common symptoms of Fluoxetine overdose include : Nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting. Other symptoms of Fluoxetine overdose include: Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor.

Fluoxetine More Information

If you experience any of the following serious side effects, stop taking fluoxetine and contact your doctor immediately or seek emergency medical treatment: an allergic reaction (difficulty breathing; closing of the throat; swelling of the lips, tongue, or face; or hives); an irregular heartbeat or pulse; low blood pressure (dizziness, weakness); high blood pressure (severe headache, blurred vision); chills or fever; unusual bleeding or bruising; a rash or hives.