Why use Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine: uses Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor ( SSRI ) used to treat depression, anxiety disorders ( panic attacks ) , obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD ) , a certain eating disorder ( bulimia ) , and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome ( premenstrual dysphoric disorder ) .
SSRIs work by helping to restore balance of certain natural substances in brain ( neurotransmitters such as serotonin ) . Fluoxetine may improve your mood, sleep, appetite, and energy level and may help restore your interest in daily living. It may decrease anxiety/unreasonable fears, persistent/troubling thoughts ( obsessions ) , and unwanted urges that keep returning ( compulsions ) . It may decrease number and severity of panic attacks. Fluoxetine may lessen premenstrual symptoms such as irritability, increased appetite, and depression. It may decrease bingeing and purging behaviors in bulimia. Fluoxetine: how to use Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before we start using Fluoxetine and each time we get a refill. If we have any questions, consult your doctor or pharmacist.
Take Fluoxetine by mouth with or without food, usually once daily or as directed by your doctor. Fluoxetine may make we either sleepy or wakeful. Therefore, depending on how Fluoxetine affects you, your doctor may direct we to take the entire dose once daily in either the morning or evening. If we are taking Fluoxetine twice a day, your doctor may direct you to take it in morning and at noon.
If we are taking Fluoxetine for premenstrual problems, your doctor may direct we to take it every day of the month or just for 2 weeks before your period through first full day of your period. To help we remember, mark your calendar.
If you're using liquid form of Fluoxetine, measure dose carefully using a special measuring device/spoon. Don't use a household spoon because we may not get correct dose.
The dosage is based on your medical condition and response to treatment. To reduce your risk of side effects, your doctor may start we at a low dose and gradually increase your dose. Follow your doctor's instructions carefully. Don't take more or less medication or take it more frequently than prescribed. Your condition will not improve any faster, and your risk of side effects will increase. Use Fluoxetine regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. To help we remember, use it at the same time ( s ) each day.
It is important to continue taking Fluoxetine as prescribed even if you feel well. Don't stop taking Fluoxetine without first consulting your doctor. Some conditions may become worse when drug is abruptly stopped. Your dose may need to be gradually decreased.
We should see some improvement in 1 to 2 weeks. It may take several weeks before you feel full benefit.
Tell your doctor if your condition doesn't improve or if it worsens. Fluoxetine: other used This section contains uses of Fluoxetine that aren't listed in the approved professional labeling for drug but that may be prescribed by your health care professional. Use Fluoxetine for a condition that is listed in this section only if it has been so prescribed by your health care professional.
Fluoxetine is also used to treat certain other eating disorders ( anorexia nervosa ) , obesity, and certain nervous system/sleep disorders ( catalepsy, narcolepsy ) . Fluoxetine: side effects See also Warning section.
Nausea, drowsiness, dizziness, anxiety, trouble sleeping, loss of appetite, weakness, tiredness, sweating, or yawning may occur while use Fluoxetine. If any of these effects persist or worsen, tell your doctor promptly.
Remember that your doctor has prescribed Fluoxetine because he or she has judged that benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using Fluoxetine don't have serious side effects.
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur:
Tell your doctor immediately if any of these rare but very serious side effects occur:
Fluoxetine may rarely cause a very serious condition called serotonin syndrome. The risk increases when Fluoxetine is used with certain other drugs such as " triptans " used to treat migraine headaches ( e. g. , sumatriptan, eletriptan ) , certain antidepressants including other SSRIs ( e. g. , citalopram, paroxetine ) and SNRIs ( e. g. , duloxetine, venlafaxine ) , lithium, tramadol, tryptophan, or a certain drug to treat obesity ( sibutramine ) . See also Drug Interactions section. Before taking Fluoxetine, tell your doctor if we take any of these medications. Serotonin syndrome may be more likely when we start or increase dose of any of these medications. Seek immediate medical attention if we develop some of the following symptoms:
For males, in very unlikely event we have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using Fluoxetine and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.
A very serious allergic reaction to Fluoxetine is rare. However, seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms of a serious allergic reaction, including:
This isn't a complete list of possible side effects. If we notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist. Fluoxetine: precautions Before taking Fluoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we are allergic to it; or if we have any other allergies.
Before using Fluoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist your medical history, especially of:
Fluoxetine may make we dizzy or drowsy. Use caution while driving, using machinery, or doing any other activity that requires alertness. Avoid alcoholic beverages.
If we have diabetes, Fluoxetine may affect your blood sugar levels. Monitor your blood sugar regularly and share results with your doctor. Your doctor may need to adjust your medication, diet, and exercise when you start or stop Fluoxetine. Liquid forms of Fluoxetine may contain sugar and/or alcohol. Caution is advised if you have diabetes, alcohol dependence, or liver disease. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about using this product safely.
Caution is advised when using Fluoxetine in elderly because they may be more sensitive to its effects. The elderly are more likely to lose too much salt ( hyponatremia ) , especially if they're also taking " water pills " ( diuretics ) with Fluoxetine.
Fluoxetine is not recommended for use during pregnancy. It may harm an unborn baby. Also, babies born to mothers who have used Fluoxetine during the last 3 months of pregnancy may infrequently develop withdrawal symptoms such as feeding/breathing difficulties, seizures, muscle stiffness, or constant crying. If we notice any of these symptoms in your newborn, tell doctor promptly.
Since untreated depression can be a serious condition, don't stop taking Fluoxetine unless directed by your doctor. If we are planning pregnancy, become pregnant, or think we may be pregnant, immediately discuss benefits and risks of using Fluoxetine during pregnancy with your doctor.
Fluoxetine may pass into breast milk and could have undesirable effects on a nursing infant. Therefore, breast-feeding isn't recommended while using Fluoxetine. Consult your doctor before breast-feeding. Fluoxetine: interactions Your doctor or pharmacist may already be aware of any possible drug interactions and may be monitoring we for them. Don't start, stop, or change dosage of any medicine before checking with your doctor or pharmacist first.
Fluoxetine can stay in your body for many weeks after your last dose and may interact with many other medications. Before using any medication, tell your doctor or pharmacist if we have taken Fluoxetine in previous 5 weeks.
Certain medications taken with Fluoxetine could result in serious ( rarely fatal ) drug interactions. Avoid taking MAO inhibitors ( e. g. , furazolidone, isocarboxazid, linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, rasagiline, selegiline, tranylcypromine ) with Fluoxetine for 2 weeks before, during treatment, and at least 5 weeks after your last dose of Fluoxetine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist for additional information.
The following medications shouldn't be used with Fluoxetine and for 5 weeks after your last dose of Fluoxetine because very serious ( possibly fatal ) interactions may occur while use Fluoxetine:
If you're currently using any of these medications listed above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting Fluoxetine.
Before using Fluoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all prescription and nonprescription/herbal products we may use, especially of:
Aspirin can increase risk of bleeding when used with Fluoxetine ( see above ) . If your doctor has directed we to take low-dose aspirin for heart attack or stroke prevention ( usually at dosages of 81-325 milligrams a day ) , you should continue taking it unless your doctor instructs we otherwise. Discuss risks and benefits with your doctor.
Also tell your doctor if you take any other drugs that increase serotonin, such as bromocriptine, buspirone, dextromethorphan, lithium, meperidine, propoxyphene, phentermine, SSRIs, SNRIs, tryptophan, St. John's wort, drugs used to treat migraines such as " triptans " and dihydroergotamine, street drugs such as MDMA/ " ecstasy, " amphetamine. ( See also Side Effects section. )
Tell your doctor or pharmacist if we also take drugs that cause drowsiness, such as certain antihistamines ( e. g. , diphenhydramine ) , anti-seizure drugs ( e. g. , carbamazepine ) , medicine for sleep or anxiety ( e. g. , lorazepam, zolpidem ) , muscle relaxants, narcotic pain relievers ( e. g. , codeine ) , psychiatric medicines ( e. g. , chlorpromazine, quetiapine, nortriptyline, trazodone ) .
Check labels on all your medicines ( e. g. , cough-and-cold products ) because they may contain ingredients that cause drowsiness. Dextromethorphan is a commonly used cough medication and may interact with Fluoxetine. Ask your pharmacist about using those products safely.
Cimetidine is a nonprescription drug that's commonly used to treat extra stomach acid. Because it may cause undesirable interactions when used with Fluoxetine, ask your pharmacist about other products to treat stomach acid.
This document doesn't contain all possible interactions. Therefore, before using Fluoxetine, tell your doctor or pharmacist of all products we use. Keep a list of all your medications with you, and share the list with your doctor and pharmacist. Fluoxetine: overdose If overdose of Fluoxetine is suspected, contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately. US residents can call US National Poison Hotline at 1-800-222-1222. Canada residents can call a provincial poison control center. Symptoms of overdose may include: irregular heartbeat, fainting, severe dizziness, seizures. Fluoxetine: notes Don't share Fluoxetine with others.
Psychiatric/medical check-ups should be done periodically to monitor your progress or check for side effects. Consult your doctor for more details. Fluoxetine: missed dose If we miss a dose Fluoxetine, take it as soon as we remember. If it's near time of the next dose, skip the missed dose and resume your usual dosing schedule. Don't double dose of Fluoxetine to catch up. Fluoxetine: storage Store Fluoxetine at room temperature between 59-86 degrees F ( 15-30 degrees C ) away from light and moisture. Don't store Fluoxetine in bathroom. Keep all medicines away from children and pets. Different brands may have different storage instructions. Check product label or ask your pharmacist how to store your particular product.
Properly discard Fluoxetine when it's expired or no longer needed. Consult your pharmacist or local waste disposal company for more details about how to safely discard your product. Fluoxetine: warning Antidepressant medications are used to treat a variety of conditions, including depression and other mental/mood disorders. These medications can help prevent suicidal thoughts/attempts and provide other important benefits. However, studies have shown that a small number of people ( especially children/teenagers ) who take antidepressants for any condition may experience worsening depression, other mental/mood symptoms, or suicidal thoughts/attempts. Therefore, it's very important to talk with the doctor about risks and benefits of antidepressant medication ( especially for children/teenagers ) , even if treatment is not for a mental/mood condition.
Tell doctor immediately if we notice worsening depression/other psychiatric conditions, unusual behavior changes ( including possible suicidal thoughts/attempts ) , or other mental/mood changes ( including new/worsening anxiety, panic attacks, trouble sleeping, irritability, hostile/angry feelings, impulsive actions, severe restlessness, very rapid speech ) . Be especially watchful for these symptoms when a new antidepressant is started or when the dose is changed.
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Male Birth Control Male Birth Control: Simple Enough? Yes, male birth control methods are simple enough and yet men still don't get it. There are only three male contraception methods, although there is news of creating a hormonal contraceptive pill for male but development of drug is still underway. So we are down to three male birth control methods for now. Condoms, vasectomy, and withdrawal. These are the only three contraceptives that men have to worry about. But that number we can still narrow down. Vasectomy is often not an option taken by males since they often believe that procedure is irreversible. For your information, the procedure is reversible. But still this method needs man to be lying on his back on operating table and going under the knife, and such an idea is usually not that appealing. Not that I blame man, though, nobody wants to be lying in an operating table for whatever purpose. The second method is withdrawal. You have a higher chance of getting your partner pregnant with this method. This can be effective when combined with calendar method of birth control. The calendar method if in case we do not know means tracking menstrual cycle of your partner and having intercourse only during first eight days of cycle. This is quite effective when you have only one partner but can be highly risky if we engage in social sex. With everything said about the other two methods, our last method seems to be the most suited in all occasions and situations. The use of condoms as a birth control method has a high enough success rate. It is not 100% effective since no birth control method really is perfect. And yet, men oftentimes fail in birth control even if there are only three methods that they have to choose from, or rather have a single method at their disposal if we follow our argument. However, there are studies being done which gives men other options aside from those three. I really do not know if these new contraceptive methods will help especially if men are in general not paying much that attention to contraceptives anyways. But still, this development in male birth control is a welcome one. Research have been looking at developing medications, much like female birth control pills, targeting hormones inside male body. This hormonal contraception can be administered as injections or as implants, although, like I said research is still being conducted and experiments are being performed to show if such contraceptives are possible. This hormonal contraception for males will function as a limiting catalyst to production of the male sperm. The tricky aspect of research is finding a way of bringing back the sperm count level to the amount that men will be considered as fertile. Other method that they're looking for includes implanting tiny plugs called IVD ( Intra Vas Device ) to block the sperm; applying heat to testes to induce infertility; and even use of ultrasound waves as a means to control the production of the sperm. The ultrasound waves will heat testes which will result to reducing production of sperms. Again, issue of whether the sperm count will normalize after a few months or even years. Well, regardless of methods under study present male birth control is quite simple enough so men should learn how to use them or else it is off to the operating with you.
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