Fluoxetine Description

Generic Name : FLUOXETINE

Pronunciation : (floo ox' e teen)

Trade Name(s) : Dawnex, Fludac, Flufran, Flugen, Flumeg, Flunat, Flunil, Flupar, Flutinol, Fluxal, Loftil, Nodep, Nuzac, Oxedep, Persona, Platin, Prodac, Prodep, Trizac

Why it is prescribed: Fluoxetine, an antidepressant or mood elevator, is used to treat depression and anxiety. It also has been used to treat obesity and eating disorders.

When it is to be taken:
1. Fluoxetine is usually taken once a day, in the morning, or twice a day, in the morning and at noon.
2. Follow the instructions on your prescription label carefully.
3. Although your symptoms may improve during the first three weeks of treatment, you may take fluoxetine for at least four weeks before feeling its full effects. How it should be taken: Fluoxetine comes in the form of capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

How it should be taken: Fluoxetine comes in the form of capsules. Your prescription label tells you how much to take at each dose.

Special Instruction :
1. Keep all appointments with your doctor so that your response to fluoxetine can be evaluated.
2. Do not take more of this medication than directed. If you think that you need more to relieve your symptoms, contact your doctor.
3. Do not stop taking fluoxetine without consulting your doctor.
4. Fluoxetine can cause dizziness and drowsiness. Do not drive a car or operate dangerous machinery until you know how it affects you.
5. Omit the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a missed dose.
6. Fluoxetine should be taken regularly to be effective. Try to take it at the same time you do some other activity such as eating breakfast or lunch.

Side Effects :
1. Nausea, nervousness, anxiety, insomnia, dizziness. If any of these effects is severe or persists, contact your doctor. Your dose may need to be adjusted, and your doctor may prescibe an additional medication for insomnia and nervousness.
2. Nausea usually subsides after a few weeks as you continue to take fluoxetine.
3. Headache, drowsiness, fatigue, loss of strength, weakness, tremor, lightheadedness, sweating, decreased ability to conentrate, abnormal dreams, agitation, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, loss of appetite, indigestion, abdominal pain, change in sense of taste, painful menstrual periods, joint or muscle pain, frequent urination, decreased sexual ability, blurred vision, palpitations, hot flushes, chest pain. If any of these effects is severe or persists, contact your doctor.
4. Skin rash, itching, fever, flu symptoms, and seizures. Stop taking fluoxetine and contact your doctor immediately.
5. Dry mouth. Suck sugarless hard candy or chew sugarless gum.

Other Precautions :
1. Before taking fluoxetine, tell your doctor what prescription and nonprescription medications you are taking, especially buspirone, diazepam, isocarboxazid, lithium, phenelzine, tranquilizers, and diabetes medication. Do not take any nonprescription medication without consulting your doctor.
2. Ask your doctor for advice about drinking alcoholic beverages.
3. Tell your doctor if you had a recent heart attack or if you have a history of seizures; heart, liver, or kidney disease; or diabetes.
4. Fluoxetine may affect the amount of glucose in your blood, so your dosage of diabetes medication may need to be adjusted.
5. Women who are pregnant, or are breast-feeding should inform their doctors. 6. Do not allow anyone else to take this medication.

Storage Conditions : Keep fluoxetine in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of the reach of children. Store it at room temperature.