Fluoxetine is in a new class of antidepressant medications that affects chemical messengers within the brain. These chemical messengers are called neurotransmitters. Many experts believe that an imbalance in these neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Fluoxetine is believed to work by inhibiting the release or affects the action of Seratonin.
Fluoxetine is used in the treatment of depression and obsessive-compulsive
disorders. The medication is usually taken once or twice daily. Fluoxetine
should be taken with food at doses specifically directed by your physician.
Individual doses vary greatly between individuals. If discontinued you should
gradually withdraw from this medication as directed by your prescribe. Usual
doses range from 20 mg to 80mg.
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PRECAUTIONS: Most medications affecting the brain have the potential to slow reflexes or impair judgment and caution is advised. This medication has not been studied extensively in the US and reevaluation periodically by your physician is advised. This medication should not be taken with tryptophan. Caution when taking this medication with the heart drug lanoxin and the anticoagulant coumadin. Check with you pharmacist when taking with other medications.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fluoxetine as with most antidepressants can cause nausea, headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and loss of appetite. Fluoxetine has been implicated in serious skin rashes and vasculitis. Increased blood pressure can occur and should be monitored. Seizures have been reported. Life-threatening interactions can occur in combination with MAO inhibitors, such as nardil and parnate. MAO inhibitors and fluoxetine should not be taken together and a waiting period of 14 days between taking these two classes of medications is strongly advised.
