Fluoxetine Interactions, Side Effects, and Warnings

Table of ContentsView AllTable of ContentsWhat Does Fluoxetine Treat?How Fluoxetine WorksTaking FluoxetineFluoxetine WarningsFluoxetine InteractionsSide Effects of FluoxetineFrequently Asked Questions

Table of ContentsView All

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Table of Contents

What Does Fluoxetine Treat?

How Fluoxetine Works

Taking Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine Warnings

Fluoxetine Interactions

Side Effects of Fluoxetine

Frequently Asked Questions

Prozacis the brand name of the drug fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).SSRIsare second-generation antidepressants, which means they are newer than first-generation medications such asmonoamine oxidase inhibitors(MAOIs) ortricyclic antidepressants(TCAs).

Because serotonin is involved in the regulation of anxiety as well as mood, clinicians sometimes prescribe SSRIs for phobia treatment, particularlysocial phobia. Fluoxetine may relieve symptoms of anxiety, but it is also important to be aware of the potential drug interactions, side effects, and warnings before taking this medication.

At a Glance

While it can be effective, it can also produce side effects, drug interactions, and some people should not take this medication. Always talk to your doctor about any medications you are currently taking or health conditions you might have.

Fluoxetine is FDA-approved to treat six conditions:

Fluoxetine is also prescribed off-label to treat other conditions, includinganxietyandpost-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

Serotoninis a neurotransmitter, a chemical that carries signals between neurons in the brain. SSRIs, including fluoxetine, slow the rate at which the brain reabsorbs serotonin, allowing it to spend more time in the space between neurons, known as the synaptic gap.

This allows the serotonin to transmit additional signals to the neurons. The effect of more serotonin in the brain is often to improve mood and reduce feelings of anxiety.

Fluoxetine may be most effective when it is utilized in combination with psychotherapy.

How Neurotransmitters Work and What They Do

Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase the amount you take until the desired results are achieved.

The starting dose is typically 20 mg per day, which can then be increased as needed up to a maximum dose of 80 mg per day. 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.

Talk to Your Doctor Before Changing Your DoseIf you have questions or concerns, call your physician for instructions. Never attempt to adjust your dosage or medication schedule without professional guidance.

Talk to Your Doctor Before Changing Your Dose

If you have questions or concerns, call your physician for instructions. Never attempt to adjust your dosage or medication schedule without professional guidance.

Fluoxetine is one of the onlyantidepressantsapproved for clinically depressed youths. However, there is some controversy surrounding its use. Speak to your doctor, or your child’s doctor, about the risks and benefits of fluoxetine in order to make an informed decision.

In 2004, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration began requiring all SSRIs, including fluoxetine, to carry a “black box” warning that stresses the increased risk for suicidality in children and adolescents. A black-box warning is the most stringent warning a drug can carry before the FDA pulls it from the shelves.

In 2007, the FDA ordered a review, expanded the directive to include anyone 24 years old or younger and added warnings to the black box about the higher risk of suicidality during the first 1 to 2 months of treatment.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

If you are having suicidal thoughts, contact theNational Suicide Prevention Lifelineat988for support and assistance from a trained counselor. If you or a loved one are in immediate danger, call 911.

For more mental health resources, see ourNational Helpline Database.

The review examined data from a group of more than 2,1000 children taking SSRI medications, about 4% experienced suicidal thoughts, including suicide attempts, but none of the children were successful at taking their own life.

More recent reviews suggest that the benefits of antidepressant medications likely outweigh their potential risks to children and adolescents with major depression and anxiety disorders.

Should Children Take Antidepressants?

Before you begin taking fluoxetine, you should also tell your doctor about any medications or supplements you are currently taking. Some substances may interact with fluoxetine leading to potential adverse effects or impacting the actions of either medication.

As a special precaution for fluoxetine, do not take it if you have taken any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) within the past two weeks, and do not begin an MAOI within five weeks after discontinuing fluoxetine or any other SSRI.

Fluoxetine can interact with a long list of other medications.Other medications that could interact with fluoxetine include:

Natural remedies such asSt. John’s wortalso interact with fluoxetine and other SSRIs. They can lead to excessive serotonin levels in the brain, resulting in a condition known asserotonin syndrome.

RecapMake sure your doctor is aware of all prescription, over-the-counter, and natural remedies you use. Always seek professional advice before taking anything new while taking fluoxetine.Avoid alcoholand sedatives.

Recap

Make sure your doctor is aware of all prescription, over-the-counter, and natural remedies you use. Always seek professional advice before taking anything new while taking fluoxetine.Avoid alcoholand sedatives.

Drowsiness or nervousness may occur, particularly when you first start taking fluoxetine. If you’re having side effects from your medication, contact your doctor immediately. Avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until you know how you react to the medication

Fluoxetine can cause a variety of side effects, including, but not limited to:

In rare instances, people may experience severe anxiety, confusion, fever, vomiting, difficulty breathing, seizures, or hives.If you experience any of these symptoms while taking fluoxetine, you should contact your doctor immediately.

Frequently Asked QuestionsFluoxetine is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). It is FDA-approved to treat major depression panic diosrder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.However, it is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat other conditions including other types of anxiety disorders.It takes time for fluoxetine to reach consistent levels in the body. People may begin to notice some effects in the first week or two, but it usually takes a few weeks before people begin to notice full effects.Common side effects of fluoxetine include fatigue, sweating, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, nervousness, nausea, and headache. In many cases, these symptoms gradually abate as people become used to their medication.Fluoxetine is not an MAOI; it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) were first-generation antidepressants, while SSRIs are second-generation. Today, SSRIs are usually prescribed more often than MAOIs because they produce fewer side effects.Both fluoxetine and MAOIs can increase serotonin levels, so they should not be taken together. Combining these two medications can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be severe or even fatal.

Fluoxetine is a type of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). It is FDA-approved to treat major depression panic diosrder, and obsessive compulsive disorder.However, it is also sometimes prescribed off-label to treat other conditions including other types of anxiety disorders.

It takes time for fluoxetine to reach consistent levels in the body. People may begin to notice some effects in the first week or two, but it usually takes a few weeks before people begin to notice full effects.

Common side effects of fluoxetine include fatigue, sweating, dry mouth, sleep disturbances, nervousness, nausea, and headache. In many cases, these symptoms gradually abate as people become used to their medication.

Fluoxetine is not an MAOI; it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) were first-generation antidepressants, while SSRIs are second-generation. Today, SSRIs are usually prescribed more often than MAOIs because they produce fewer side effects.Both fluoxetine and MAOIs can increase serotonin levels, so they should not be taken together. Combining these two medications can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be severe or even fatal.

Fluoxetine is not an MAOI; it is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). MAOIs (monoamine oxidase inhibitors) were first-generation antidepressants, while SSRIs are second-generation. Today, SSRIs are usually prescribed more often than MAOIs because they produce fewer side effects.

Both fluoxetine and MAOIs can increase serotonin levels, so they should not be taken together. Combining these two medications can lead to serotonin syndrome, which can be severe or even fatal.

7 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Prozac.Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D.Treatment of anxiety disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017;19(2):93-107. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelowEli Lilly.Prozac medication guide.Grunebaum MF, Mann JJ.Safe use of SSRIs in young adults: how strong is evidence for new suicide warning?Curr Psychiatr. 2007;6(11):nihpa81089.Jane Garland E, Kutcher S, Virani A, Elbe D.Update on the use of SSRIs and SNRIs with children and adolescents in clinical practice.J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(1):4-10.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Fluoxetine (Prozac).Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (orserotonin toxicity).Can Fam Physician.2018;64(10):720-727.

7 Sources

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Prozac.Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D.Treatment of anxiety disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017;19(2):93-107. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelowEli Lilly.Prozac medication guide.Grunebaum MF, Mann JJ.Safe use of SSRIs in young adults: how strong is evidence for new suicide warning?Curr Psychiatr. 2007;6(11):nihpa81089.Jane Garland E, Kutcher S, Virani A, Elbe D.Update on the use of SSRIs and SNRIs with children and adolescents in clinical practice.J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(1):4-10.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Fluoxetine (Prozac).Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (orserotonin toxicity).Can Fam Physician.2018;64(10):720-727.

Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Prozac.Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D.Treatment of anxiety disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017;19(2):93-107. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelowEli Lilly.Prozac medication guide.Grunebaum MF, Mann JJ.Safe use of SSRIs in young adults: how strong is evidence for new suicide warning?Curr Psychiatr. 2007;6(11):nihpa81089.Jane Garland E, Kutcher S, Virani A, Elbe D.Update on the use of SSRIs and SNRIs with children and adolescents in clinical practice.J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(1):4-10.National Alliance on Mental Illness.Fluoxetine (Prozac).Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (orserotonin toxicity).Can Fam Physician.2018;64(10):720-727.

Food and Drug Administration.Highlights of prescribing information: Prozac.

Bandelow B, Michaelis S, Wedekind D.Treatment of anxiety disorders.Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2017;19(2):93-107. doi:10.31887/DCNS.2017.19.2/bbandelow

Eli Lilly.Prozac medication guide.

Grunebaum MF, Mann JJ.Safe use of SSRIs in young adults: how strong is evidence for new suicide warning?Curr Psychiatr. 2007;6(11):nihpa81089.

Jane Garland E, Kutcher S, Virani A, Elbe D.Update on the use of SSRIs and SNRIs with children and adolescents in clinical practice.J Can Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 2016;25(1):4-10.

National Alliance on Mental Illness.Fluoxetine (Prozac).

Foong AL, Grindrod KA, Patel T, Kellar J.Demystifying serotonin syndrome (orserotonin toxicity).Can Fam Physician.2018;64(10):720-727.

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