What Fluoxetine is used for :
Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa (eating disorder), panic disorder and depression associated with dipolar disorder.
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Do not take Fluoxetine :
If you’re allergic to the active substances or any other component of this medicine.
If you took within the past 2 weeks a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI).
If you are taking the medicines Pimozide or Thioridazine.
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Warnings and precautions :
Talk to your doctor about all your medical conditions before taking this medicine including:
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If you have liver or kidney problems.
If you have heart problems including QT interval prolongation.
If you have or had seizures or convulsions.
If you have bipolar disorder or mania.
If you have a history of a stroke.
If you have high blood pressure.
If you have or had bleeding problems.
If you have eye problems.
If you have abnormal levels of electrolytes in your blood (such as low sodium).
This medicine may cause suicidal thoughts or actions, especially in young patients, in the first few months of treatment.
Call your doctor if you experience such symptoms.Â
Do not stop taking this medicine all of a sudden.
You might experience side effects. Talk to your doctor on how to discontinue Fluoxetine.Â
Possible side effects :
Stop using this product and seek immediate medical help if you develop rash; hives; itching; red, swollen, blistered, or peeling skin; wheezing; tightness in the chest or throat; trouble breathing, swallowing, or talking; unusual hoarseness; or swelling of the mouth, face, lips, tongue, or throat.
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Serious side effects:
Suicidal thoughts or actions, especially at the beginning
Serotonin syndrome: this condition may be life threatening, symptoms include agitation, hallucination, tremor, sweating, fever, dizziness and seizures
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Allergic reactions :
Seizures and convulsions
Heart problems: irregular heartbeatÂ
Low sodium levels in the blood
Abnormal bleeding including gastric bleeding
Diarrhea
InsomniaÂ
Impotence
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Other medicines and Fluoxetine :
Tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking.
Do not take MAOIs within 5 weeks of stopping Fluoxetine and do not start Fluoxetine within 2 weeks of stopping MAOIs.
Do not take Thioridazine while or within 5 weeks of taking Fluoxetine.
Do not take Pimozide while taking Fluoxetine.
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Other interactions include:
Linezolid, Triptans, medicines for anxiety and depression, Tramadol, Amphetamines, blood thinners, Phenytoin, and ETC treatment.
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How to take Fluoxetine  :
This medicine is intended for adults over 18 years of age.
Your doctor might prescribe it to children aged 8 years and older if necessary.
Take as indicated by your doctor.
For depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder, the usual starting dose is 20 mg once daily.
For bulimia nervosa, the recommended dose is 60 mg once daily.
In children aged 8 years and older the initial dose is 10 – 20 mg once daily.
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How to store Fluoxetine :
Store at room temperature 68 to 77°F (20 to 25°C).
Protect from light.
Keep this medicine out of reach of children.
Do not use this medicine after the expiry date stated on the package.
The expiry date refers to the last day of that month.
