Fluoxetine Side Effects, Overdose and Pregnancy Information

Fluoxetine is given to treat depression that lasts for over 2 weeks, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia, anorexia, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), borderline personality disorder, anxiety disorder, migraine and chronic headaches, post traumatic stress disorder, schizophrenia and social phobias. Fluoxetine belongs to the family of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) that block the movement of the neurotransmitter (chemical messengers) serotonin into nerve endings. Serotonin is believed to govern moods and is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the nerve endings. SSRIs such as Fluoxetine slow this process, thus boosting the levels of serotonin in the brain. It usually takes about 28 days for Fluoxetine to start working.

FLUOXETINE SIDE EFFECTS

Fluoxetine side effects may include suicidal thoughts, headaches, decreased sex drive, agitation, anxiety, nervousness, difficulty with ejaculation, dizziness, dry mouth, fatigue, upset stomach, appetite loss, insomnia, rash, sleepiness, and vomiting. Rare Fluoxetine side effects may include impotence, acne, abnormal dreams, low concentration, allergic reaction, hair loss, back pain, blindness, breast development in males, breast pain or enlargement, breathing difficulties, cataracts, chest pain, difficulty breathing, high blood pressure, hot flushes, inflammation of the penis, throbbing heartbeat, vaginal inflammation, hemorrhage, and urinary pain.

FLUOXETINE SIDE EFFECTS REPORTING

If you experience any Fluoxetine side effects not mentioned above you should report it to your primary health care provider or FDA 1-800-FDA-1088 in the United States, Health Canada 1-866-225-0709 in Canada, MHRA 020 3080 6000 in UK, or TGA 1800 020 653 in Australia.

FLUOXETINE WARNING

Unless the condition is significantly improved, possibility of suicide while taking Fluoxetine exists especially in severely depressed patients.

Fluoxetine is not recommended for children and teens as it could increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior.

If you have a kidney or liver disorder, or have had seizures, your physician may limit your dosage. Caution is advised.

Fluoxetine may impair the ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution until you know how the Fluoxetine affects you.

FLUOXETINE CAUTION

Do not take Fluoxetine within 2 weeks of taking any drug classified as an MAO inhibitor. Serious and sometimes fatal reactions can occur.

SSRIs like Fluoxetine should be used with caution by people with seizures.

Do not combine Fluoxetine with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava, Hop, or Ginseng.

FLUOXETINE AND PREGNANCY

Pregnant women using SSRIs like Fluoxetine are more likely to deliver prematurely or going to have babies with major abnormalities. Fluoxetine passes into breast milk. Nursing mothers should switch to bottle-feeding while using Fluoxetine.

FLUOXETINE INTERACTION

There should be an interval of 2 weeks between stopping Fluoxetine and starting an MAOI antidepressant.

Do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking Fluoxetine. Use over-the-counter (OTC) medicines such as Aspirin, Ibuprofen, or Aleve with caution.

Do not combine Fluoxetine with herbs like St.John's Wort, Kava, Hop, or Ginseng.

It is imperative to check with your physician before combining Fluoxetine with the following:

Blood thinners
Cimetidine
Crystodigin
Flecainide
Imitrex
Lithium
MAO inhibitor drugs
Other serotonin-boosting drugs
Other antidepressants
Propafenone
Sumatriptan
Tolbutamide
Valium
Warfarin

FLUOXETINE DOSES

ADULTS
The usual starting dose is 20-80mg a day, or a single 90 mg weekly;taken either in the morning or in the evening.

Seniors and people with liver or kidney condition may need a lower dose.

CHILDREN

10-60mg/day. Fluoxetine is not recommended for children under 8.

FLUOXETINE OVERDOSE

Fluoxetine overdose symptoms include seizures, nausea, agitation, dizziness, rapid heartbeat, vomiting, coma, fainting, mania, and high or low blood pressure. In case of a Fluoxetine overdose, seek medical attention right away. If you miss a dose of Fluoxetine, take it as soon as you can. However, if it is just about time for your next dose, skip the one you forgot and go on with your regular schedule. Never take a double dose of Fluoxetine.

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