Uses

The following Information is intended to supplement, not substitute for, the expertise and judgment of your physician, pharmacist or other healthcare professional. It should not be construed to indicate that use of the drug is safe, appropriate, or effective for you.

Consult your healthcare professional before using any of our products.

Fluoxetine is used to treat depression, bulimia (an eating disorder), obsessive compulsive disorders (OCD), and severe symptoms of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder-PMDD). This medication works by helping to restore the balance of certain natural chemicals in the brain.

OTHER USES: This medication has also been used to treat panic attacks, obesity, and alcoholism.

How to take

Take this medication by mouth usually once daily in the morning, with or without food; or as directed by your doctor. The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy. Some medical conditions may require a different dosing schedule (e.g., twice daily in the morning and at noon) as determined by your doctor. Take this medication exactly as prescribed. It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Also, do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor. It may take up to 4 weeks before the full benefit of this drug takes effect.

Side Effects

Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, dry mouth, drowsiness, sweating, or upset stomach may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor promptly. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: loss of appetite, unusual weight loss, unusual or severe mental/mood changes, uncontrolled movements (tremor), decreased interest in sex, flu-like symptoms (e.g., chills, fever, muscle aches, weakness). Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: vision changes, trouble swallowing, swelling or white spots on the mouth and/or tongue, changes in sexual ability, painful and/or prolonged erection. Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: fainting, irregular/fast heartbeat. An allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, dizziness, trouble breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist.

Precaution

Tell your doctor your complete medical history especially if you have high blood pressure, an over-active thyroid, glaucoma, diabetes or emotional problems. Consult with your doctor if you think you are pregnant or before breast-feeding. Alcohol can increase unwanted side effects of dizziness. Limit alcohol use. This drug is not recommended for use in children. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for further information.

If you take too much: If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, seizures, restlessness, fast or irregular heartbeat, and fainting

Drug interactions

Certain medications taken with this product could result in serious, even fatal, drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors (e.g., furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, tranylcypromine) within 2 weeks, and avoid taking thioridazine within 5 weeks, before or after treatment with this medication. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information. This drug is not recommended for use with: weight loss medicine (e.g., sibutramine, phentermine), thioridazine, terfenadine, astemizole. Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Tell your doctor of all prescription and nonprescription medication you may use, especially: other SSRI antidepressants (e.g., citalopram, sertraline), nefazodone, trazodone, venlafaxine, "triptan" migraine drugs (e.g., sumatriptan, zolmitriptan), tramadol, tricyclic antidepressants (e.g., amitriptyline, nortriptyline), flecainide, propafenone, haloperidol, clozapine, lithium, tryptophan, "blood thinners" (e.g., warfarin), anti-seizure drugs (e.g., carbamazepine, phenytoin/hydantoins), herbal/natural products (e.g., St John's wort, ayahuasca). Tell your doctor if you take any drugs that cause drowsiness such as: medicine for sleep, tranquilizers, anti-anxiety drugs (e.g., alprazolam), narcotic pain relievers (e.g., codeine), muscle relaxants, psychiatric medicine (e.g., phenothiazines such as chlorpromazine), certain antihistamines (e.g., diphenhydramine). Check the labels on all your medicines (e.g., cough-and-cold products) because they may contain drowsiness-causing ingredients. Ask your pharmacist about the safe use of these products. Report other drugs which affect the heart rhythm (QTc prolongation), such as: dofetilide, pimozide, sotalol, quinidine, procainamide, sparfloxacin, "water pills" (diuretics such as furosemide or hydrochlorothiazide). Ask your doctor or pharmacist for more details. Fluoxetine may affect the amount of glucose (sugar) in your blood. If you take any anti-diabetes medication (e.g., glipizide, glyburide, metformin), your dosage of these drugs may need to be adjusted when fluoxetine is started or discontinued. Consult your doctor. Do not start or stop any medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose, use it as soon as you remember. If it is near the time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to catch up.

Storage

Store at room temperature between 59 and 86 degrees F (15-30 degrees C) away from light and moisture. Keep this and all medications out of the reach of children.