Fluoxetine Medication

Fluoxetine is an oral drug that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. This medication is generally sold with the trade names Prozac and Sarafem, however, it is also available as a generic medicine. Fluoxetine medication is generally prescribed to treat depression, anxiety, panic attacks and obsessive compulsive disorder in both adults as well as children. It is also used to treat bulimia nervosa and premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

As I said earlier, Fluoxetine belongs to the class of drugs known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors. Some other examples of drugs from this class include paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft) and citalopram (Celexa).

The nerves within our brain use certain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, to communicate with each other. These neurotransmitters are produced and released by the nerves as means of communication. These chemicals then travel to a different nerve and get attached to its surface or to the surface of the nerves that produce them and are released again. This process is known as reuptake. It is believed that an imbalance of the neurotransmitters is the main cause of depression. This medication prevents the reuptake of one such neurotransmitter, serotonin. The reduced uptake of serotonin in the brain by the action of flouxetin, increases the free serotonin that stimulates nerve cells of the brain. Fluoxetine thus acts as an antidepressant.

Dosage for Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine dosage varies depending on a number of factors such as the condition, its intensity and the patient's response. The recommended dosage to treat resistant depression in adults is 20 to 50 mg of fluoxetine, daily. It is better to start with a single dose of 20 mg, taken daily in the morning. This dose can then be increased gradually depending on the patient's response after 4 to 6 weeks of treatment. The recommended dosage to treat depression in children is 10 to 20 mg daily.

Side Effects
Fluoxetine side effects can range from mild to severe. Some examples of common side effects include:

• Dry mouth
• Heartburn
• Diarrhea
• Fever
• Chills
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Abdominal pain
• Chest pain
• Difficulty in breathing
• Vision problems
• Loss of appetite
• Dizziness
• Insomnia

Most of these common side effects subside on their own, however, if they become bothersome and persist for long, immediate medical attention may be required.

Precautionary Measures
As with most medications, this prescription drug may interact with certain other drugs to cause adverse reactions. Reactions with some drugs can even be fatal at times. Some examples of drugs not to be consumed along with fluoxetine include pimozide, thioridazine, monoamine oxidase inhibitors such as phenelzine, rasagiline, selegiline, isocarboxazid and tranylcypromine. Always inform your doctor if you are taking any of these drugs. Also inform him/her if you have the following conditions:

• Liver cirrhosis
• Diabetes
• Seizures or epilepsy
• Kidney disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Suicidal behavior

Fluoxetine must be used with caution in children, adolescents and elderly people. Pregnant and lactating women should avoid the use of this drug or consult a doctor for proper dosage.

You must always stick to the instructions given by your doctor while taking fluoxetine, as overdose of this antidepressant can cause several adverse effects on the body.