Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine capsules What kind of medication is this? Antidepressant medication known as fluoxetine is classified as an SSRI, which stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. The mechanism of action of this medication is not yet completely known. It is hypothesized that this has a beneficial effect on the transmission that takes place between nerve cells in the central nervous system and/or that it restores the chemical equilibrium in the brain. Fluoxetine is prescribed to patients suffering from major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). While treating depression brought on by bipolar illness, fluoxetine is frequently used with olanzapine (Zyprexa), which is another medicine (manic depression). When at least two previous drugs have been tried without success in treating the patient's symptoms of depression, this combination can be utilized as an additional therapy option. Before I start using this medication, what should I discuss with my health care providers? If it has been more than 14 days since you last took an MAO inhibitor, you should not take fluoxetine. There is a possibility of a potentially lethal interaction between drugs. MAO inhibitors include isocarboxazid, linezolid, phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, and tranylcypromine. Before beginning treatment with fluoxetine, you are need to wait at least 14 days after discontinuing the use of an MAO inhibitor. When you have stopped taking fluoxetine, you will have to wait 5 weeks before you may take thioridazine or an MAOI. If you are sensitive to fluoxetine, if you are also taking pimozide or thioridazine, or if you are undergoing treatment with methylene blue injection, you should not take this medication. If you are also taking olanzapine (Zyprexa), it is important that you read the Zyprexa medication guide as well as all of the patient cautions and instructions included with that medicine. Inform your primary care physician about any other antidepressants you are currently taking, particularly Celexa, Cymbalta, Desyrel, Effexor, Lexapro, Luvox, Oleptro, Paxil, Pexeva, Symbyax, Viibryd, or Zoloft. Tell your doctor if you have cirrhosis of the liver, kidney disease, diabetes, narrow-angle glaucoma, seizures or epilepsy, bipolar disorder (manic depression), a history of drug abuse or suicidal thoughts, or if you are currently being treated with electroconvulsive therapy. This will allow your doctor to determine whether or not fluoxetine is safe for you to take (ECT). While starting treatment with an antidepressant, some adolescents and young adults have suicidal ideation. During the time that you are on fluoxetine, your primary care physician will need to monitor your improvement at certain intervals. Alterations in your state of mind or symptoms should also be brought to the attention of your family or other caretakers. Using an SSRI antidepressant while pregnant may increase the risk of the baby developing major lung difficulties as well as other complications. If you suddenly stop taking your antidepressant, you run the risk of experiencing a return of your depressive symptoms. If you become pregnant while taking fluoxetine, you should contact your healthcare provider as soon as possible. During pregnancy, you should never begin or stop using this medication without first seeing your healthcare provider. Fluoxetine has been shown to enter breast milk and might potentially affect a breastfeeding infant. If you are breastfeeding a child, you should let your doctor know about it. Without first seeing a physician, you should never administer fluoxetine to anybody less than 18 years old. What is the correct way to take this medication? Take the fluoxetine precisely as your physician has instructed you to. Always make sure to follow all of the instructions on the label of your medication. In order to optimize your treatment and provide the best possible outcomes, your physician may adjust your dosage on occasion. Do not use this medication in greater or lower doses than indicated, nor for a longer period of time than specified. A delayed-release capsule should not be crushed, chewed on, broken, or opened in any other way. Take it in its entirety. To accurately administer liquid medications, use a dosing spoon or cup designed specifically for that purpose. If you do not already own a device for measuring doses, you should inquire with your pharmacist about obtaining one. It is possible that it will be four weeks before you start to feel better. Maintain the prescribed dosage of the medicine and discuss your continued symptoms with your primary care provider if they do not improve. Do not suddenly stop taking fluoxetine or you may have withdrawal symptoms, which may be quite uncomfortable. Ask your primary care provider how you may discontinue taking fluoxetine in a secure manner. The recommended dosage of fluoxetine for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder is one tablet once day during the time of menstruation or 14 days before the expected first day of menstruation. Always be sure to follow the advice of your doctor. Keep at room temperature and away from heat and moisture when storing. What can I expect if I forget to take a dose? When you realize you missed a dosage, take it as soon as you can. If it is almost time for your next scheduled dosage, you should skip the dose that you missed. It is not necessary to take additional medication in order to make up for a missed dosage. If you forget to take a dosage of Prozac Weekly, you should take the medication as soon as you recall and then wait 7 days before taking the following dose. Nevertheless, if it is almost time for the next regularly scheduled weekly dosage, you can ignore the missed dose and take the following one as advised. If it is almost time for the next dose, however, you should take it as directed. It is not necessary to take additional medication in order to make up for a missed dosage. What other substances could react with this medication? This effect may be exacerbated if you combine this medication with other substances that cause drowsiness. Inquire with your physician first before combining fluoxetine with any other medication, such as a sleep aid, narcotic pain medication, muscle relaxant, or medication for anxiety, depression, or seizures. There are a wide variety of medicines that can interact with fluoxetine. This does not include all of the conceivable combinations of factors. Tell your doctor about all the medications you are currently taking, as well as any new or discontinued medications, especially the following: any other antidepressant; St. John's Wort; tramadol; tryptophan (sometimes called L-tryptophan); a blood thinner such as warfarin, Coumadin, or Jantoven; any medication used to treat mood disorders, thought disorders, or mental illness such as amitriptyline, desipramine, lithium, nortriptyline This list is not exhaustive; fluoxetine may also interact negatively with the use of many other medications. This include both prescription and over-the-counter medications, in addition to herbal and vitamin supplements. Provide any healthcare practitioner who is treating you with a list of all the medications you are currently taking. What possible negative reactions may I have to this medication? You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms in response to taking fluoxetine: a rash or hives on your skin; difficulty breathing; swelling of your face, lips, tongue, or neck. Notify your doctor if you experience any symptoms that are new to you or that are getting worse, such as changes in your mood or behavior, anxiety, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, or if you feel impulsive, irritable, agitated, hostile, aggressive, restless, hyperactive (mentally or physically), more depressed, or have thoughts about hurting yourself or taking your own life. If you have any of the following symptoms, you should contact your doctor as soon as possible: blurred vision, tunnel vision, eye pain or swelling, or seeing halos around lights; high levels of serotonin in the body, which can cause agitation, hallucinations, fever, fast heart rate, overactive reflexes, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of coordination, and fainting; low levels of sodium in the body, which can cause headaches, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness, severe skin reaction: fever, sore throat, swelling in your face or tongue, burning in your eyes, skin pain, followed by a red or purple skin rash that spreads (especially in the face or upper body) and causes blistering and peeling; or severe nervous system reaction: very stiff (rigid) muscles, high fever, sweating, confusion, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, feeling like you might pass out; or severe skin reaction: feeling like you might pass out; or feeling like you Common adverse reactions to fluoxetine may include trouble sleeping (insomnia), strange dreams; headache, dizziness, changes in vision; tremors or shaking, feeling anxious or nervous; pain, weakness, yawning, tired feeling; upset stomach, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea; dry mouth, sweating, hot flashes; changes in weight or appetite; stuffy nose, sinus pain, sore throat, flu symptoms; or decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgas This list of potential adverse effects is not exhaustive; additional symptoms may also surface. What side effects should I be on the lookout for when using this medication? Consuming alcohol while taking fluoxetine may exacerbate the negative effects of the medication. Before using a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (NSAID) for pain, arthritis, fever, or edema, you should consult your primary care physician. Aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), celecoxib (Celebrex), diclofenac, indomethacin, and meloxicam are some examples of the medications that fall into this category. If you take fluoxetine together with an NSAID, you may find that you bruise or bleed more readily. It's possible that this drug will affect either your thoughts or your reactions. While you are driving or engaging in any activity that needs you to be aware, exercise extreme caution.