Fluoxetine Side Effects

Fluoxetine, an oral drug, is prescribed to those who face the problem of depression. The FDA has approved Fluoxetine in December 1987. Fluoxetine is also available without a brand name, as generic medicine. You should consult your doctor immediately if you are suffering from fluoxetine side effects. Another important point to note down is, you should not suddenly stop taking fluoxetine, as sudden withdrawal may also result in headache, nausea, pins and needles, dizziness and anxiety.

Fluoxetine Uses

Our brain has its own communication system and neurotransmitters or the chemical compounds are part of this system. Serotonin is one such chemical compound that has various functions. Release of serotonin from nerve cells of the brain helps to lighten your mood. If it is reabsorbed in the nerve cells or if insufficient amount of serotonin is released from the brain, then depression occurs. Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor (SSRI) and it prevents serotonin from being reabsorbed back into the nerve cells, which in turn helps in sustaining mood lightening effect of released serotonin. In this way, fluoxetine helps relieve depression.

Fluoxetine also works great for bulimia nervosa and obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults. OCD is a psychiatric disorder in which tasks are excessively repeated.

Fluoxetine with Caution

Fluoxetine should be used with caution in:

• Children and adolescents
• Young adults
• Elderly people
• People taking anti-psychotic medicines
• People with diabetes, heart disease, epilepsy, decreased liver function
• People with history of seizures, bleeding disorders, suicidal behavior, mania, hypo-mania or manic depression
• People receiving electro-convulsive therapy
• People taking medicines that affect blood clotting
• Pregnant and lactating women

Side Effects of Fluoxetine

It is possible that each individual is affected by the adverse effects of fluoxetine in a different way. But this does not mean that all people using this medicine will experience some side effects. Some people may not notice any side effect.

• Anxiety and agitation
• Dry mouth
• Decreased appetite and weight loss
• Diarrhea/Constipation
• Fatigue
• Headache
• Hair loss
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Joint pain
• Muscle pain
• Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
• Skin rash
• Swelling of the lips, tongue and throat
• Sweating
• Seizures
• Sexual problems
• Small purplish blood spots in the skin
• Vision problems

The list does not end here. You should read the information provided with the medicine or consult your doctor or pharmacist to know about any other possible risks associated with fluoxetine.

Side Effects in Women
Fluoxetine intake is especially a cause of concern, if pregnant or lactating women are taking the medicine regularly. This medicine can be used during pregnancy, but it should be administered cautiously. It is recommended during pregnancy only if the benefits to the mother outweigh any risk to the fetus. Fluoxetine side effects or withdrawal symptoms can be noticed in the newborn infant, if the medicine is taken during pregnancy, especially in the third trimester or before labor. While breast feeding, this medicine is transferred to the infant through breast milk and may have adverse effects on the infant. Mothers should discuss the risks and benefits of fluoxetine with their doctor, if they need to take this medicine.

Side Effects in Children
Fluoxetine medication is not recommended to children unless and until moderate to severe depression is noticed. Children and adolescents tend to be hostile or tend to think about committing suicide as an initial side effect of the antidepressants given. You need to talk a lot with such children and encourage them to report any distressing feelings, thoughts about suicide or self-harm, irritability and mood changes. Any type of unusual change in behavior that they might experience while taking fluoxetine, should be monitored. It is important to consult your doctor immediately. It should be noted that fluoxetine may not start to make you feel better for at least two to four weeks.

Weight Loss
Insomnia, weakness, nausea and loss of appetite are the most common side effects of fluoxetine. In some cases, diarrhea is also noticed. All these side effects can cause weight loss. For some, weight loss is beneficial while for some it may be quite troublesome, leading to other complications. According to the studies, weight loss may occur in 2% of people taking fluoxetine. Since, weight gain can be a symptom of bulimia and depression, treating these conditions can naturally lead to weight loss.

Weight Gain
According to the studies, weight gain was reported as a frequent side effect of fluoxetine, in more than 1 percent of people. If weight gain is noticed, then your physician may suggest you to exercise more and he may ask you to limit consumption of alcohol. You should be ready for some lifestyle changes and should opt for balanced diet.

Fluoxetine Withdrawal

Every reaction related to fluoxetine intake should be consulted with your physician. Fluoxetine actually remains in your blood for a few weeks after you stop taking it. Fluoxetine level in blood naturally decreases slowly over time. So, there are rare chances of noticing fluoxetine withdrawal effects. But some people may exhibit fluoxetine withdrawal symptoms like headache, nausea, anxiety, etc.

In case, fluoxetine side effects are severe, your physician may recommend a switch to another antidepressant medication. Generally, side effects of this drug are minor and can be treated easily. Mostly, these side effects are so minor that they do not require any medical attention. However, if any serious problems, such as suicidal thoughts or behavior, hallucinations or panic attacks occur, you should consult your health care provider immediately.