Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a drug used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), premenstrual dysphoric disorder, bulimia, or panic attacks. Sometimes this drug can also be used together with olanzapine in the treatment of bipolar disorder.

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant drug that works by increasing the natural substance serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the neurotransmitters responsible for regulating emotions, sleep, and appetite. When the amount of serotonin increases, emotional disorders and mental disorders can also be overcome.

Fluoxetine trademarks: Antiprestin, Elizac, Foransi, Fluoxetine HCL, Sactine, Prestin

What Is Fluoxetine?

Warnings Before Taking Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine can only be used according to a doctor's prescription. Here are some things you need to pay attention to before taking fluoxetine:

• Do not take fluoxetine if you are allergic to this drug. Always tell your doctor about any allergies you have.
• Do not take fluxetine if you are undergoing treatment with antipsychotic drugs , such as pimozide or thioridazine.
• Do not take fluoxetine if you have taken an MAOI drug , such as isocarboxazid or phenelzine, in the last 14 days.
• Tell your doctor if you are using drugs, supplements, or herbal products.
• Tell your doctor if you have had or are suffering from cirrhosis , urinary problems, diabetes , seizures, epilepsy , glaucoma, arrhythmia , heart disease, or other mental disorders, such as bipolar disorder .
• Do not drive a vehicle or do activities that require alertness after consuming fluxetine, because this drug can cause drowsiness .
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, or planning to become pregnant.
• See a doctor immediately if an allergic reaction to the drug, serious side effects, suicidal tendencies appear , or an overdose occurs after consuming fluoxetine.

Dosage and Administration of Fluoxetine

The dose of fluoxetine given by the doctor depends on the patient's health condition and age. Here is the explanation:

Condition: Depression

• Adults: Initial dose 20 mg once a day. The dose can be increased gradually to a maximum of 80 mg per day.
• Children aged ≥8 years: Initial dose 10 mg per day. The dose can be increased to 20 mg per day after 1–2 weeks.

Condition: Obsessive compulsive disorder ( OCD )

• Adults: Initial dose 20 mg per day. The dose can be increased gradually up to 60 mg per day. The maximum dose is 80 mg per day.
• Children aged ≥7 years: Initial dose 10 mg per day. The dose can be increased to 20 mg per day after 2 weeks of treatment. The dose can be increased further up to 60 mg per day if needed.

Condition: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

• Adults: 20 mg per day, consumed daily, from 14 days before menstruation until the first day of menstruation.

Condition: Bulimia

• Adults: 60 mg per day, once a day or divided into several consumption schedules.

Condition: Panic attack

• Adults: Initial dose 10 mg per day, which can be increased to 20 mg per day after 1 week of treatment. The dose can be increased further up to 60 mg per day.

How to Consume Fluoxetine Correctly

Consumption of fluoxetine according to the doctor's recommendations and instructions on the drug packaging. Do not change the dose or stop the treatment without first consulting a doctor . The doctor will reduce the drug dose gradually according to the condition and response to therapy.

Fluoxetine can be consumed before or after meals. Do not crush, chew, or split this medicine because it can affect the effectiveness of the medicine.

If you forget to take fluoxetine, take it as soon as you remember. If it is almost time for the next dose, ignore the missed dose. Do not double the dose of fluoxetine to make up for a missed dose.

Do not stop treatment with fluoxetine even if you feel better, except on the advice of your doctor. It may take 4-5 weeks before you feel the full benefits of this medicine.

Store fluoxetine at room temperature and place in a sealed container. Avoid exposure to direct sunlight and keep out of the reach of children.

Fluoxetine Interactions with Other Drugs

The following are a number of drug interaction effects that can occur if fluoxetine is used together with other drugs:

• Increased risk of serotonin syndrome if consumed with triptans, buspirone, lithium , tryptophan, tramadol , MAOI drugs, such as  phenelzine or other SSRI drugs, such as sertraline
• Increased risk of bleeding if consumed with NSAIDs or anticoagulant drugs , such as warfarin
• Increased risk of hallucinations if used with ketorolac
• Increased risk of seizures if used with bupropion
• Increased levels of phenytoin or dextromethorphan in the blood
• Increased risk of dangerous heart rhythm disturbances, such as prolongation of the QT interval, if used with amiodarone , ceritinib, chloroquine, or antipsychotics, such as pimozide or thioridazine

Side Effects and Dangers of Fluoxetine

Some of the side effects that can arise after consuming fluoxetine are:

• Drowsiness or excessive yawning
• Headache or dizziness
• Sleep disturbance
• Loss of appetite
• Tremors
• Nausea or vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Excessive sweating
• Dry mouth
• Anxious

Check with a doctor if the complaints mentioned above do not subside or get worse. Contact your doctor immediately if you experience a drug allergic reaction or more serious side effects, such as:

• Dizziness like fainting
• Irregular heartbeat ( arrhythmia )
• Loss of balance and body coordination
• Convulsions
• Easy to bruise
• Blurry eyes
• Decreased libido or sexual desire

In addition, the use of fluoxetine can also increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, which can be characterized by rapid heart rate , severe dizziness, hallucinations , muscle twitching, high fever, or restlessness.