Description
Fluoxetine is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is widely prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions like panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
Fluoxetine helps many people to recover from depression by improving their mood and relieving anxiety and tension. It is also used to treat bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), where it reduces binge-eating and purging (vomiting).
The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, etc).
To get the most benefit, take this medicine regularly at the same time each day. It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. Let your doctor know if you do not see any improvement even after 4 weeks. Some common side effects of Prodep Capsule include nausea, indigestion, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite, increased sweating, sinusitis, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), yawning, and abnormal dreams. Sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction may also be seen. Let your doctor know straight away if you develop any sudden worsening of mood or any thoughts about harming yourself.
Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder or fits), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma. These may affect your treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially other antidepressants and medicines called MAO inhibitors. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe.
USES OF FLUOXETINE
Depression
Can be described as feeling sad, unhappy, hopelessness or lack of energy. The person having depression loses pleasure in activities that used to give joy in past. Even trivial daily routines like eating lacks interest. Depressed people feel completely unmotivated.
Panic disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a type of anxiety disorder. A person with OCD gets frequent, upsetting thoughts called obsessions. To control the thoughts, the person feels an overwhelming urge to repeat certain rituals or behaviors. These are called compulsions.
BENEFITS OF FLUOXETINE
In Depression
Fluoxetine works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety, tension, and helps you sleep better. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for this medicine to work so you need to keep taking it even if you feel it is not working. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better unless your doctor advises you to.
In Panic disorder
Fluoxetine can help relieve symptoms of many panic disorders including panic attacks. It can help you feel calmer and improve your ability to deal with problems. Do not stop taking it, even when you feel better, unless your doctor advises you to.
In Obsessive-compulsive disorder
Fluoxetine helps relieve symptoms of many anxiety disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in your brain. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants and is normally taken once a day. It helps you feel calm with a better ability to deal with problems. Keep taking the medicine until your doctor advises you to stop. Additionally, exercising and eating a healthy diet can also help improve your mood.
SIDE EFFECTS OF FLUOXETINE
Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them.
Common side effects of Fluoxetine:
- Erectile dysfunction
- Indigestion
- Influenza like syndrome
- Loss of appetite
- Low sexual desire
- Nausea
- Sore throat
- Sweating
- Tremor
- Weakness
- Yawning
- Abnormal dreams
- Delayed ejaculation
- Dryness in mouth
- Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
- Nervousness
- Sleepiness
- Sinus infection
HOW TO USE FLUOXETINE
Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Fluoxetinemay be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.
HOW FLUOXETINE WORKS
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.
SAFETY ADVICE
Alcohol
UNSAFE
It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Fluoxetine.
Pregnancy
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Fluoxetine may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.
Breastfeeding
CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR
Fluoxetine is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Please consult your doctor.
Driving
UNSAFE
Fluoxetine may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.
Kidney
SAFE IF PRESCRIBED
Fluoxetine is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Fluoxetine may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.
Liver
CAUTION
Fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Fluoxetine may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
