Fluoxetine is an antidepressant. It belongs to the group of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). fluoxetine is used to treat panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa (an appetite disorder), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
Tell your doctor if any of these applies to you:
a history of drug abuse or sucidal thoughts
cirrhosis of the liver
bipolar disorder (manic depression)
kidney disease
diabetes
breast-feeding
pregnant or planning to become pregnant
How to use:
Strictly follow your doctor's insructions. Advert to medicine label to get the exact dosing instructions.
Medication Guide is an additional patient information sheet. It comes with the fluoxetine.
You may take fluoxetine either with or without food.
Don't stop taking fluoxetine until your doctor said so.
If you miss a dose, and you are prescribed to take one dose weekly, take the missed dose as soon as you remember and take the next dose 7 days later. If it's almost the time for the next regularly scheduled weekly dose, skip thó missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Never take two doses at one stroke.
What drug(s) may interact with fluoxetine?
Never take fluoxetine with the following medications:
MAO inhibitors (eg, phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegeline)
astemizole
thioridazine
cisapride
terfenadine
pimozide
Fluoxetine may also interact with the following medications:
warfarin
alcohol
St. John's wort
amphetamine
propranolol
aspirin
propafenone
benzodiapines (eg, diazepam, alprazolam)
phenytoin
buspirone
nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs, like ibuprophen)
carbamazepine
methylergonovine
certain diet drugs (eg, sibutramine, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine)
medicines for mental problems or psychotic disturbances
If you experience these side effects, you should contact your doctor immediately:
agitation, confusion, sweating, fast heartbeat
seizure (convulsions)
problems with balance or coordination
tremors, shivering, muscle stiffness or twitching
unusual thoughts or behavior
a red, blistering, peeling skin rash
These side effects usually don't require medical attention (but you should contact your doctor if they continue or are bothersome):
dry mouth, increased sweating
anxiety
nervousness
restlessness
weight gain or loss
insomnia
decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm
nausea, diarrhea, changes in appetite
runny nose, sore throat,headache, flu symptoms
What is the shelf life of the pills?
The expiry date is mentioned on each blister. It is different for different batches. The shelf life is 2 years from the date of manufacture and would differ from batch to batch depending on when they were manufactured.
What is a generic pill?
Generic drug (pl. generic drugs, short: generics) is a drug which is produced and distributed without a brand name. A generic must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. In most cases, it is considered bioequivalent to the brand name counterpart with respect to pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic properties.
