This medication description is not meant for treatment prescription without the intervention of a specialist.

Common Uses

Fluoxetin is an antidepressant It is used for Treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe form of premenstrual syndrome, clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (in both adult and pediatric populations), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder. It may also be used for other conditions as determined by your doctor.

How to Take

Take this medication exactly as it was prescribed for you. Do not take the medication in larger amounts, or take it for longer than recommended by your doctor. Follow the directions on your prescription label. Adult - initially, 20 mg in the morning; increase dosage gradually only after a trial period of several weeks if required. Maximum: 80 mg/day. Elderly patients: 20 mg/day.

Warning and Precautions

Avoid drinking alcohol, which can increase some of the side effects of Fluoxetine.

Avoid using other medicines that make you sleepy (such as cold medicine, pain medication, muscle relaxers, medicine for seizures, other medication for depression or anxiety). They can add to sleepiness caused by Fluoxetine.

Cold or allergy medicine, narcotic pain medicine, sleeping pills, muscle relaxers, and medicine for seizures, depression or anxiety can add to sleepiness caused by Fluoxetine. Tell your doctor if you regularly use any of these other medicines. Fluoxetine can cause side effects that may impair your thinking or reactions. Be careful if you drive or do anything that requires you to be awake and alert.

Missed Dose

Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. However, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled dose, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take extra medicine to make up the missed dose.

Overdose

Seek emergency medical attention if you think you have taken too much of this medication. Symptoms of a Fluoxetin overdose may include nausea, vomiting, fever, sleepiness, rapid or uneven heartbeat, confusion, fainting, seizures, or coma.

Storage

Store Fluoxetine at 77 degrees F (25 degrees C). Brief storage at temperatures between 59 and 86 degrees F (15 and 30 degrees C) is permitted. Store away from heat, moisture, and light. Do not store in the bathroom. Keep Fluoxetine out of the reach of children and away from pets.

Possible Side Effects

Get emergency medical help if you have any of these signs of an allergic reaction: skin rash or hives; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or throat.

Call your doctor at once if you have any new or worsening symptoms such as: mood or behavior changes, anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about suicide or hurting yourself.

More Information

The information given above is a summary. Your pharmacist can provide more information about Fluoxetin. Do not share this medicine with others for whom it was not prescribed. Do not use this medicine for other health conditions. If using this medicine for an extended period of time, obtain refills before your supply runs out.