what is the drug fluoxetine

For example, it is crucial to educate patients that they should not combine the drug with alcohol or other antidepressants. The patient should have regular follow-ups regarding depression and suicidal thoughts. The pharmacist should verify dosing, especially check for drug interactions, given fluoxetine’s extensive list of interactions, and report these to the prescriber if present. Prozac is the brand name of the drug fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). SSRIs are second-generation antidepressants, which means they are newer than first-generation medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).

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They typically experience high levels of anxiety and feelings that they are being ignored, dismissed, or lied to. Data from published studies and reports has not shown a risk of major problems with fetal development (commonly known as birth defects) or pregnancy loss with Prozac. If you take Prozac for depression and are pregnant or planning a pregnancy, talk with your doctor about your treatment plan.

Obesity and overweight adults

Treatment of formication typically involves antipsychotics or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in tandem with regular provider interaction or counseling. Stopping Prozac treatment because you’re pregnant may make it more likely that your depression will return or worsen. Other adverse effects include postpartum depression and a low birth weight for the newborn. Before taking Prozac, it’s important to discuss with your doctor any other medications you’re taking, as interactions between Prozac and other types of drugs might pose a risk of increased side effects. Also, discuss herbal and nutritional supplements you’re taking or have taken recently.

Fewer specialists, trouble for maternal health

what is the drug fluoxetine

Because it takes time for the medication to begin working effectively, it is important to keep taking your medicine and give it time to reach its full effects. Taking fluoxetine with other drugs that make you sleepy or slow your breathing can cause dangerous side effects or death. Ask your doctor before taking a sleeping pill, narcotic pain medicine, prescription cough medicine, muscle relaxant, or medicine for anxiety, depression, or seizures. Do not use Prozac if you have used an MAO inhibitor in the past 14 days.

Other side effects in children or adolescents include the following. Like many others in her situation, she was scared to talk about how to handle an unwanted pregnancy for fear of losing friendships or facing criticism. A pharmacy in India sent a pill packet to her house with instructions. Soon after taking the pills, she had a period and her pregnancy was done.

Premenstrual Syndrome (PMS): Track and Prevent Symptoms

Many experts believe that an imbalance among neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Fluoxetine works by preventing the reuptake of one neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerve cells after it has been released. Fluoxetine may also be prescribed off-label to treat other mental health conditions, such as anxiety.

Don’t take this drug again if you’ve ever had an allergic reaction to it. Fluoxetine oral capsule is available as the brand-name drug Prozac. Generic drugs usually cost less than brand-name versions. In some cases, they may not be available in every strength or form as brand-name drugs. These are the most serious warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Boxed warnings alert doctors and patients about drug effects that may be dangerous.

A class of drugs is a group of medications that work in a similar way. For example, fluoxetine and other antidepressants called selective serotonin reuptake https://soberhome.net/addiction-and-recovery-buddhists-on-the-path-to/ inhibitors (SSRIs), have a greater risk of causing low sodium levels. You should also talk about the risks and benefits of not treating your condition.

what is the drug fluoxetine

Fluvoxamine is only used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). This is unlike fluoxetine, which is used to treat OCD, plus some other mental health conditions, including depression. Here’s some information about taking fluoxetine https://rehabliving.net/alcohol-use-weighing-risks-and-benefits/ oral capsules while you’re pregnant or breastfeeding. For MDD, OCD, and bulimia nervosa, it’s recommended you take fluoxetine in the morning. For panic disorder, there’s not a best time of day recommended to take the drug.

  1. A black-box warning is the most stringent warning a drug can carry before the FDA pulls it from the shelves.
  2. Or their doctor may reduce how often they’ll take the drug.
  3. MentalHealth.com is a health technology company guiding people towards self-understanding and connection.
  4. This will help them determine if fluoxetine is right for you.

Because older people have a higher risk for side effects with this drug, their doctor may have them start taking fluoxetine at a lower dosage than usual. Or their doctor may reduce how often they’ll take the drug. If you’re concerned about weight https://sober-home.org/alcohol-effects-in-the-brain-short-and-long-terms/ gain while you’re taking this drug, talk with your doctor. They can recommend ways to help you manage a weight that’s healthy for you. Keep in mind that loss of appetite can be a symptom of depression, which fluoxetine is used to treat.

This approach can minimize polypharmacy and encourage adherence to psychotropic medications. Trazodone, mirtazapine, or a hypnotic may be options for insomnia. Mirtazapine may also help with agitation or gastrointestinal adverse effects. Bupropion or a phosphodiesterase inhibitor (such as sildenafil) may address sexual dysfunction. Bupropion may also be an option for potential cognitive slowing or apathy seen with fluoxetine.