Fluoxetine is an anti-depressant that comes underclass of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It is available as a generic medication and used in the treatment of the depressive disorder, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder, trichotillomania, bulimia nervosa, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, premature ejaculation, impulsive aggressiove-
What is Fluoxetine dosage-
It is also sometimes used for the treatment of obesity, cataplexy, binge eating disorder, and alcohol dependence. Fluoxetine is available in the brand name of Prozac. If you want any details about fluoxetine better than Prozac -Fluoxetine dosage. Read more
It is also used along with other medications. The medicine works by inhibiting the uptake of serotonin by nerve cells. Fluoxetine is used by adults and children who are above the age of 8 years. The IUPAC name of fluoxetine is N-methyl-3-phenyl-3- [4-(trifluoromethyl) phenoxy] propan-1-amine and the formula is C17H18F3NO.
The trade names of the medicine are Adofen, Prozac, Sarafem, and many others. Fluoxetine is the medicine that is on the list of essential medicines of the World Health Organization and was discovered by Eli Lilly and Company in 1972. However, it was available for medicinal use from 1986. The medicine is approved by Food and Drug Administration in 2000.
How to use Fluoxetine: - Fluoxetine comes in the form of tablets, capsules, and oral suspension. The medicine shows its effect generally in 4 to 6 weeks.
Never miss the dose or overdose on the medicine. In case if you forgot to take a dose, take one as soon as you remember. The patient should not make up for the missed dose by taking medicine twice a day. Do not stop using the medicine without consulting the doctor even if you are feeling better.
The patient should check their progress while taking the medicine and pay regular visits to their doctor. Older people should take the medicine only if needed and after consultation from their doctor. Store the medicine at normal room temperature away from moisture, heat, and excessive light.
Ask your doctor to recommend a proper diet and exercise when you start taking the medicine. Read the prescription label carefully before taking the medicine. Dosage: - Fluoxetine is taken once a day with or without food at the same time unless prescribed otherwise by your doctor.
The initial dose of fluoxetine is 20 mg per day in adults. Further, the dose can be increased to a maximum of 60 mg per day. The initial dose of children is 10 mg per day, and it can be further increased to 20 mg per day. Take the medicine in the prescribed amount only.
Your doctor may start the medicine from a lower dose and could further increase it. This is done to reduce the side effects in the body. The dosage depends on medical condition, age, and response to medical treatment. Caution: -
1. Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (MHRA) of the United Kingdom has warned prescribers and pregnant women about the exposure of fluoxetine in the first trimester when the formation of foetal organs takes place. Fluoxetine may increase the risk of congenital cardiac malformations in the newborn. In one of the studies, an association of fluoxetine showed an increased risk of minor foetal malformations. As per the Food and Drug Administration, infants who are exposed to fluoxetine and other SSRIs may increase the risk for persistent pulmonary hypertension in the newborn.
2. A breastfeeding mother should also not consume fluoxetine. Consult your doctor for further detailed information.
3. Do not use fluoxetine if have or ever had an allergic reaction to the medicine and the medicines that come under the class of SSRI.
4. Do not use the medicine if you have any heart problems as consuming the medicine may cause irregular or abnormal heartbeats.
5. Inform your doctor if you are taking other medications for depression. Many antidepressants can interact with fluoxetine to cause some adverse side effects.
6. Inform your doctor that you take the medicine if you have glaucoma and other eye related problems. Consult your doctor for more detailed information.
7. Inform your doctor that you take the medicine if you have epilepsy or having electroconvulsive treatment.
8. Fluoxetine can make it difficult to keep the blood sugar level stable. If the patient is diabetic, he or she may face problems.
9. The patient should not use fluoxetine if he/she is also consuming pimozide or thioridazine or if he/she is being treated with methylene blue injection.
10. The patient should not consume MAO inhibitors like rasagiline, selegiline, isocarboxazid, phenelgiline, transcypromine, etc for 14 days before taking the medicine.
11. Do not take the medicine along with linezolid, pimozide, and thioridazine.
12. Inform your doctor if you are suffering from cirrhosis, diabetes, bipolar disorder, drug abuse, depression, or any other health problems before taking the medicine.
13. Do not stop taking the medicine suddenly or without your doctor's recommendation otherwise, you could have severe withdrawal symptoms.
14. Do not consume alcohol while taking the medicine.
15. The medicine may increase the serotonin level and may cause a serious condition called serotonin syndrome/toxicity.
16. Check all the active and inactive ingredients of the medicine to know if you are allergic to any of the products used in the medicine.
17. Inform your doctor if you have a low sodium level in the blood. Side effects: - The patient should call their doctor right away and seek for emergency medical care if he/she is showing any of these symptoms: -
1. Serotonin syndrome 2. Chest pain 3. Shortness of breath 4. Excessive bleeding 5. Mania 6. Seizures 7. Suicidal behavior 8. Sleeping problems 9. Sexual dysfunction 10. Loss of appetite 11. Dry mouth 12. Rash 13. Abnormal ejaculation 14. Anxiety 15. Anorexia 16. Diarrhoea
Conclusion-in this article you read how to use -Fluoxetine dosage.