Fluoxetine

About fluoxetine

This belongs to the group of medicines known as selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors.

Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, the eating disorder Bulimia nervosa and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Certain chemicals in our brain control how we feel. It is thought that low levels of a chemical called serotonin can lead to depression and other related conditions. Fluoxetine helps to regulate serotonin levels in our body, easing the symptoms.

Fluoxetine is available in capsule and oral liquid form.

It is also sometimes known as: Felicium; Oxactin; Prozac; Ranflutin. You may notice the use of any of these names on the packaging of your medicine.

Before taking fluoxetine

Before taking fluoxetine make sure your doctor or pharmacist knows:

• if you are pregnant, trying for a baby or breast-feeding
• if you suffer from heart, liver or kidney problems
• if you suffer from epilepsy or diabetes
• if you suffer from a blood clotting disorder or have ever had a problem with bleeding inside the gut
• if you suffer from glaucoma
• if you are being treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
• if you have recently stopped taking a Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitor (MAOI) antidepressant
• if you have ever had an allergic reaction to this or any other medicine
• if you are taking any other medicines, including those available to buy without a prescription, herbal or complementary medicines

How to take fluoxetine

• Always read the manufacturer’s information leaflet, if possible, before beginning treatment.
• Take fluoxetine exactly as directed by your doctor.
• Try to take fluoxetine at the same times each day, to avoid missing any doses.
• Do not stop taking Fluoxetine without speaking to your doctor first. Your doctor will want to reduce your dose gradually as stopping suddenly can cause problems.
• Before having any kind of surgery, including dental and emergency treatment, tell your doctor, dentist or surgeon you are taking fluoxetine.
• Never take more than the prescribed dose. If you suspect that you or someone else has taken an overdose of Fluoxetine contact your doctor or go to the accident and emergency department of your local hospital at once. Always take the container with you, if possible, even if it is empty.
• This medicine is for you. Never give it to others even if their condition appears to be the same as yours.

Getting the most from your treatment

• Before taking any ‘over-the-counter’ medicines, check with your pharmacist which medicines are safe to take alongside fluoxetine.
• Keep your regular appointments with your doctor so your progress can be monitored.
• If you have diabetes: Make sure you check your blood sugar levels regularly as Fluoxetine can affect the results.
• Fluoxetine can cause drowsiness and dizziness. Make sure your reactions are normal before driving, operating machinery or doing any other jobs which could be dangerous if you were not fully alert.
• Fluoxetine can cause a dry mouth. If you experience this try chewing sugar-free gum, sucking sugar-free sweets or pieces of ice. If a dry mouth becomes too troublesome, discuss the problem with your doctor or pharmacist.
• Fluoxetine can cause some people to sweat more than they usually do. If you experience this, take care not to become overheated during exercise or hot weather.

Can fluoxetine cause problems?

Along with their useful effects all medicines can cause unwanted side effects, which usually improve as your body adjusts to the new medicine. Speak with your doctor if any of the following side effects continue or become troublesome.

Feeling or being sick, indigestion, tummy ache, diarrhoea, constipation, loss of appetite and weight loss, dry mouth, nervousness, anxiety (worry), headache, insomnia (difficulty sleeping), shakiness, dizziness, weakness, problems passing water, seeing things that aren't real, drowsiness, discharge from the nipples, sexual problems, sweating, movements of the body without control from the patient, violent behaviour, thinning of the hair or joint pain.

Important: If you experience severe drowsiness, confusion or convulsions (fits), any unusual bleeding or bruising or blackened stools, a skin rash, fever (high temperature), muscle and joint pains or difficulty breathing contact your doctor at once.

If you experience any other worrying symptoms, which you think may be due to this medicine, discuss them with your doctor or pharmacist

How to store fluoxetine

• Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
• Store in a cool, dry place, away from direct heat and light.
• Never keep out of date or unwanted medicines. Discard them safely out of the reach of children or take them to your local pharmacist who will dispose of unwanted medicines for you.

© EMIS and Cegedim Pharmacy Services Ltd 2005   Updated: 14/09/2005