How Effective is Fluoxetine & What are its Side Effects?

The use of Fluoxetine is strictly not recommended if you are taking medications like thioridazine, pimozide or methylene blue injections. Also, it must not be recommended in the case of individuals who have taken MAO inhibitor in the last 14 days. MAO inhibitors include methylene blue injection, linezolid, isocarboxazid, phenelzine, rasagiline, tranylcypromine and selegiline. After taking any of the above MAO inhibitors, you need to wait for a minimum of 14 days to start taking fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine works by preventing the nerves from absorbing serotonin in the brain. This leads to the increase in the concentration of serotonin in the space between the nerves known as nerve synapse.

Fluoxetine is effectively used as an antidepressant to manage the symptoms of obsessive-compulsion, anxiety, panic, depression establishing the right balance of chemicals in the brain. Fluoxetine is a special type of antidepressant termed as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRI. Fluoxetine is useful in effectively treating various types of mental disorders such as bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and other depressive disorders.

Fluoxetine is used in combination with some other medications such as olanzapine (Zyprexa) to effectively manage bipolar disorders leading to manic depression. However, it is not recommended to be used as the first measure of treatment. This drug fluoxetine must be used only if the patient does not respond to other medications or treatment options. If you are planning to use olanzapine (Zyprexa), you must read all the risk factors and warnings carefully.

Fluoxetine may lead to certain side effects such as mood swings or thoughts of suicide when you first start to use it. Seek your doctor’s advice immediately if you experience any of the symptoms of side-effects or the symptoms get worse, immediate doctor’s attention is required. The symptoms include hyperactivity, restlessness, aggressiveness, irritation, impulsive disorders etc.

Fluoxetine is an effectively medication for treating various mental disorders including bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, depression and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).

• Fluoxetine can be taken safely empty stomach or after a meal. Taking the dosage in the morning carries a lesser risk of insomnia.
• Watch out for any symptoms of agitation, thoughts or suicide and other side effects if you are taking the drug. Report any such symptoms immediately.
• Avoid driving any vehicle or operating machinery when you are taking fluoxetine as it hampers your ability to concentrate and may lead to accident.

The response and effectiveness of fluoxetine is good. Fluoxetine starts working in just about eight hours from taking the first dosage. However, in some cases it may longer up to a few weeks in some individuals for the effect to become stable. The peak plasma levels can be experienced in about 6-8 hours. For the best and stable results, you need to the take the drug regularly and in the correct dosage as prescribed by the doctor.

The use of fluoxetine can lead to certain side effects. Some of the common side effects are as follows:

• It can trigger the thoughts of suicide or childish behavior in the mind of an individual.
• Fluoxetine hampers your ability to concentrate and thus you need to avoid driving vehicle or operating heavy machineries.
• Fluoxetine can lead to symptoms like diarrhea, nausea, flu, decreased libido, increased sweating and lack of energy.
• It can cause unusual bleeding and the risk increases further if you are taking it along with other similar medications.
• Fluoxetine triggers signs of insomnia, nervousness and anxiety.
• Decrease in body weight is a side effect of fluoxetine
• Increases the risk of bipolar disorder
• Lowers the level of sodium in the blood leading to a condition known as hyponatremia. The risk is higher in aged people who are taking some diuretics.
• If stopped suddenly, fluoxetine leads to withdrawal symptoms. These symptoms include dizziness, low mood, irritability, confusion, headache, electric shock sensation and irritation.
• In some rare cases, seizure is also a side effect of fluoxetine.
• If you observe any type of allergic reaction on your skin after starting to take fluoxetine, you must stop taking the drug immediately and seek immediate advice from your doctor.

Fluoxetine is an effective medication to treat depression without making you feel drowsy. However, it may cause insomnia.