Has your doctor prescribed you this medication called Fluoxetine? Perhaps it's for a condition like depression (depression), or for a condition like obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). Today, we'll talk in a very simple and friendly way about what this medication is, how it affects our bodies, and what precautions we need to take while using it.
What kind of medicine is this?
Fluoxetine is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and some eating disorders. It is most commonly known in our country by the brand name Prozac.
Simply put, our brains have a special chemical messenger that controls things like happiness and calmness. Its name is serotonin . In some mental conditions, this serotonin level can decrease. Fluoxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain and improving our mood. This medicine belongs to the group called SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).
Things you need to tell your doctor before taking medicine
For your safety, you should definitely tell your doctor this information before starting this medication.
- If you or someone in your family has a mental condition called bipolar disorder .
- If you have a blood clotting problem or a bleeding disorder .
- If you have the eye disease glaucoma .
- If you have heart disease .
- If you have any liver disease.
- If you have been told that your body's sodium levels are low .
- If you have seizures or convulsions.
- If you or someone in your family has ever thought about, planned, or attempted to take your own life .
- If you are currently taking a medication called an MAOI (e.g. Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate).
- If you are taking medication that prevents blood clotting (e.g. Warfarin).
- If you have a thyroid disease.
- If you have an allergic reaction to fluoxetine or any other medicine, food, or preservative.
- If you are pregnant , trying to get pregnant , or breastfeeding .
How should I use this medicine?
It is very important to know exactly how to use this medicine.
- This is a liquid to drink by mouth.
- Take the dosage exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Do not increase or decrease it.
- Use the special spoon or measuring cup that comes with the medicine to measure it. Do not use regular kitchen teaspoons, as they will not give you an accurate measurement.
- This can be taken with or without food.
- Try to take it at about the same time every day.
- The most important thing is to not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. Doing so could worsen your condition or cause serious side effects.
Is this medicine given to children?
In some special cases, this medicine is also prescribed for children over 7 years of age. However, you need to be very careful about it, so talk to your doctor about it carefully.
What do you do if you take too much medicine?
If you think you have taken too much medicine, don't panic. Immediately call the National Poisons Information Centre at the Colombo National Hospital, or go to the Emergency Treatment Unit (ETU) of the nearest hospital.
This medicine has been prescribed for you only. Never share it with anyone else.
What to do if you miss a dose of medication?
Don't worry. Don't worry about the missed dose, just skip it. Take the next dose as usual. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
Other things that may interact with this medicine
Fluoxetine can interact with other medications, certain foods, and alcohol. Therefore, it is very important to tell your doctor about all medications and vitamins you are taking.
| Type | Examples |
|---|---|
| Never take it together. | |
| MAOI type medication | Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, Parnate |
| Some other medications | Thioridazine, Pimozide, Linezolid, Dronedarone, Methylene blue (intravenous) |
| Inform the doctor as there may be a collision. | |
| Alcohol | Alcohol |
| Anticoagulant | Medicines like Warfarin and Aspirin |
| NSAIDs type painkillers | Ibuprofen, Naproxen |
| Some medications for migraines | Sumatriptan, Rizatriptan |
| Medications for other mental illnesses, sleeping pills | Lithium, Tramadol, Fentanyl |
| Some herbal products | St. John's wort, Kava kava, Valerian |
This list is not complete, so it's best to tell your doctor about everything you take.
Things to be careful about when taking medicine
- It takes time to see results: If your symptoms do not improve, or even get worse, tell your doctor. It can take several weeks for this medicine to have its full effect , so it is important to continue using it for as long as your doctor tells you to.
- Pay attention to your thoughts: This is the most important thing. Some people may have thoughts of suicide, which can worsen their mental state, either when they first start taking the medication or after changing the dosage.
- Driving and using machines: This medicine may impair your ability to concentrate, react quickly, or make decisions. Do not drive or operate machinery until you know exactly how this medicine affects you.
- Stand up straight when you get up: To reduce dizziness and fainting, stand up straight when you get up from sitting or reclining.
- Dry mouth: Dry mouth may occur. This can be reduced by chewing sugar-free gum and drinking plenty of water.
- Diabetes: If you have diabetes, this medicine may affect your blood sugar levels. Talk to your doctor before making any changes to your diet or medication.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets.
- Store at room temperature (between 15 and 30 degrees Celsius).
- Throw away expired medication.
- Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) medication that is used to treat mental health conditions such as depression and anxiety.
- Before starting this medication, tell your doctor about all other medications you are taking and any medical conditions you have.
- Do not stop taking the medication suddenly without your doctor's advice. It may take several weeks to see full results, so be patient and continue taking it.
- During the initial period of taking the medication, be very careful about any changes in your mood or thoughts of ending your life. If this happens , inform your doctor immediately.
- If you take too much medicine, go to the nearest hospital emergency department (ETU) or call the National Poisons Information Centre.
If you feel like your mood, behavior, or thoughts are suddenly getting worse, or if you feel like you are taking your own life, please talk to your doctor immediately.
Side effects that may occur due to medication
Like any medicine, Fluoxetine can cause side effects. Not everyone gets them. Let's take a look at what they are.
| If you have any of these, inform your doctor immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Allergic reactions | Skin rash, itching, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, and throat. |
| Abnormal bleeding | Black or bloody stools, red or dark brown urine, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, red/purple spots on the skin. |
| Changes in heart rate | Feeling like your heart is beating fast, dizziness, fainting, chest pain, difficulty breathing. |
| Decreased sodium levels | Muscle weakness, fatigue, headaches, and confusion. |
| Serotonin syndrome | Restlessness, confusion, rapid heartbeat, muscle stiffness, tremors, excessive sweating, high fever, convulsions, vomiting, diarrhea. |
| Thoughts of ending your life | Worsening of mental status or thoughts of suicide. |
| It's usually not serious, but if it persists, tell your doctor. | |
| Anxiety, restlessness | Diarrhea, stomach discomfort |
| Change in sexual desire or function | Excessive sweating |
| Dry mouth | Nausea |
| Headache | Tremors, insomnia |
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