Fluoxetine

About fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a type of antidepressant called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is used to treat depression, bulimia nervosa, and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Inhibidores selectivos de la recaptación de serotonina (ISRS) like fluoxetine increase the amount of circulating serotonin available in your brain. Altering the balance of the chemicals in the brain can help improve symptoms of depression, eating disorders like bulimia, and OCD.

Depresión can develop for no apparent reason, or it can be triggered by a life event such as a relationship problem, a bereavement, or an illness. Bulimia nerviosa is an eating disorder. People with bulimia nervosa have episodes of binge eating which they counteract by making themselves sick. Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) is a condition where you have recurring and persistent ideas that make you do repetitive actions.

The most common side effects of fluoxetine are:

• Náuseas.

• Estar enfermo (vómitos).

• Diarrea.

• Indigestión.

• Boca seca.

• Headache..

• Feeling more anxious, nervous, or agitated

• Sintiéndose inquieto o tembloroso.

• Feeling dizzy, tired or weak.

• Visión borrosa.

• Problemas para dormir.

• Reduced sexual drive (libido).

• Yawning.

• Sudoración.

Encontrará una lista completa en el prospecto del fabricante que se suministra con su medicamento. Los efectos no deseados a menudo mejoran a medida que su cuerpo se adapta al nuevo medicamento, pero hable con su médico o farmacéutico si alguno de los siguientes persiste o se vuelve problemático.

If you experience any other symptoms that you think may be due to this medicine, speak with your doctor or pharmacist for further advice.

Some medicines are not suitable for people with certain conditions, and sometimes a medicine may only be used if extra care is taken. For these reasons, before you start taking fluoxetine it is important that your doctor knows:

• Si estás embarazada, intentando tener un bebé o amamantando.

• Si tienes algún problema con el funcionamiento de tu hígado.

• Si tienes una afección cardíaca.

• Si tienes epilepsia.

• Si tienes niveles altos de azúcar en la sangre (diabetes mellitus).

• If you have an eye problem called glaucoma.

• If you have ever had a bleeding disorder.

• If you have ever had abnormally 'high' moods, called mania.

• If you are being treated with electroconvulsive therapy (ECT).

• Si alguna vez has tenido una reacción alérgica a un medicamento.

• If you have taken an antidepressant known as a monoamine-oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the previous two weeks.

• Si está tomando otros medicamentos. Esto incluye cualquier medicamento que esté tomando y que esté disponible para comprar sin receta, así como medicamentos herbales y complementarios.

• Read the manufacturer's printed information leaflet from inside the pack. It will give you more information about fluoxetine and will provide you with a full list of the side effects which you may experience from taking it.

• Take fluoxetine exactly as your doctor tells you to - the directions will be printed on the label of the pack to remind you of what your doctor said.

  • As a guide, if you are being treated for depression or OCD, it is usual to be prescribed 20 mg (one capsule or 5 ml liquid medicine) as a once-daily dose. Your dose may later be increased.

  • For people being treated for bulimia, the usual daily dose is 60 mg (three capsules or 15 ml liquid medicine).

• You can take fluoxetine before or after food. If you have been given capsules, swallow them whole with a drink of water - do not chew or open the capsules.

  • If you have difficulty swallowing capsules, let your doctor know, as you could be prescribed liquid medicine or soluble tablets to take instead.

  • Try to take your doses at the same time of day, each day.

• If you have been given soluble (dispersible) tablets, they can be swallowed whole with a drink of water or dissolved in half a glass of water before taking. Do not crush or chew the tablets.

• Si olvida tomar una dosis, tómela tan pronto como lo recuerde. Si no lo recuerda hasta el día siguiente, omita la dosis olvidada. No tome dos dosis juntas para compensar una dosis olvidada.

• You may feel that fluoxetine is not working for you straightaway. It can take a week or two after starting this treatment before the effect begins to build up, and 4-6 weeks before you feel the full benefit. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel it is not helping.

• Intenta mantener tus citas regulares con tu médico. Esto es para que tu médico pueda verificar tu progreso.

• While you are taking fluoxetine, you may have thoughts about harming yourself or ending your life. These thoughts may also be associated with your condition. It is very important that you tell your doctor about this if it happens.

• Do not stop taking fluoxetine unless your doctor tells you to do so. Stopping treatment suddenly can cause problems and your doctor will probably want you to reduce your dose gradually when this becomes necessary.

• You should expect that a course of treatment will last for several months. This is normal and helps to prevent your symptoms from recurring.

• If you drink alcohol, ask your doctor for advice. Your doctor is likely to recommend that you do not drink alcohol while you are on fluoxetine.

• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose more frequently, as fluoxetine may affect the levels of sugar in your blood. Your doctor will be able to advise you about this.

• If you buy any medicines, check with a pharmacist that they are safe to take with fluoxetine. This is because several medicines which are available from general retail outlets can interfere with this treatment.

  • In particular, do not take the herbal remedy St John's wort, and ask for advice before buying any anti-inflammatory painkillers.

• A few people taking fluoxetine find that their skin is more sensitive to sunlight than normal. Until you know how your skin reacts, use a sun cream with a high sun protection factor (SPF) in strong sunlight.

• There are several types of antidepressants and they differ in their possible side effects. If you find that fluoxetine does not suit you then let your doctor know, as another may be found that will.

• Mantenga todos los medicamentos fuera del alcance y la vista de los niños.

• Almacenar en un lugar fresco y seco, lejos del calor y la luz directos.

• The oral liquid medicine usually lasts for one month after first opening. After this time make sure you have a fresh supply.

Can you drink alcohol on fluoxetine?

You should avoid or limit alcohol when taking fluoxetine, as it can worsen side effects and affect mood. However, an occasional small drink is unlikely to cause serious harm.

Is fluoxetine used more for anxiety or depression?

Fluoxetine is used for both depression and some anxiety disorders, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD). Your doctor will decide if it’s suitable based on your symptoms.

Can you overdose on fluoxetine?

Yes, it’s possible to overdose on fluoxetine. Taking more than the prescribed dose can cause serious side effects such as nausea, tremors, rapid heartbeat or, in severe cases, seizures. Seek urgent medical help if you think you or someone else may have taken too much.

Does fluoxetine make you gain weight?

Fluoxetine can affect weight. Some people may notice slight weight gain, others may lose weight, and many experience no change at all. Changes can be linked to appetite, lifestyle, and how the medication affects mood.