High level a survey of the main points and key data
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). By reducing serotonin reabsorption in nerve cells, it can lift mood, ease anxiety and panic, and reduce obsessive thoughts or compulsive behaviour.
- Therapeutically active ingredient: fluoxetine (commonly provided as fluoxetine hydrochloride)
- Therapeutic class: SSRI antidepressant
- Typical UK presentations: 10 mg and tablets with a 20 mg dose or capsules; oral solution options (for example 20 mg per 5 ml)
For a second option drugs, see Options and costs comparison. For the networked exchange of ideass create context for decisions. and medicines to avoid, jump to Interaction patterns caused by medicines.
Conditions for which fluoxetine is prescribed
In the UK fluoxetine is licensed and commonly used for several conditions in adults and in selected younger patients. Prescribers will only use it for markers pointing to they consider appropriate.
- Diagnosis: major depressive disorder
- The mental health condition obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- The diagnosis of panic disorder
- Bulimia nervosa, a binge-purge eating disorder (higher daily doses, e.g. up to 60 mg, are often used)
- The medical term Premenstrual dysphoric disorder as PMDD
If you are uncertain about why it has been prescribed, ask your GP or pharmacist for clarification.
Dosing, how to take part and what to expect
Use the instructions as directed by your prescriber. Do not alter dose or stop suddenly without medical advice because withdrawal effects can occur.
- Take capsules or tablets whole; do not crush or open modified-release preparations.
- Most people take fluoxetine once a day. Taking it in the morning may reduce the chance of insomnia.
- Initial benefits can appear within 1 to 4 weeks; full therapeutic effect may take 6 to 8 weeks.
- Where treatment is to be stopped, your clinician will advise a stepwise reduction if appropriate.
For forgot to take a doses and risk information about they overdosed see Dose left untaken and non fatal overdose.
Safety quality checks and crucial hazard controls for safe operation
Before you begin the plan fluoxetine, tell your prescriber about any current or past medical problems, especially:
- Existing liver disease or difficulty passing urine
- Diabetes is a health condition
- Glaucoma caused by narrow angles or raised ocular pressure
- Epilepsy or previous seizures
- Mania or hypomania history within bipolar disorder
- Substance misuse, suicidal thoughts, or self-harm behaviour
- Planned or recent electroconvulsive therapy (ECT)
Gestation and lactation require a balanced discussion of risks and benefits consult with your clinician. Late-pregnancy exposure to SSRIs can, in rare cases, affect newborns. If breastfeeding, monitor infants for feeding or sleep changes and seek advice if concerned.
Limit alcohol while taking fluoxetine because it can worsen sedation, mood and coordination.
Where use is contraindicated and timing with MAOIs
- Do not take if you are allergic to fluoxetine or any product excipient.
- Please do not mix. fluoxetine with pimozide or thioridazine.
- Avoid use together with, or in close sequence to, monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, or selegiline.
Timing rules to reduce the risk of severe interpersonal dialogue and exchanges with others are the core of collaboration.: A 14 day waiting window is advised after MAOI stop prior to starting fluoxetine. Conversely, after stopping fluoxetine wait at least 5 weeks before starting an MAOI or taking thioridazine.
Untoward effects and indicators that urgent care is needed
Major allergic or severe skin reactions require immediate medical attention. Contact emergency services if you see:
- Hives, breathing difficulties, swelling of face, lips, tongue or throat
- High fever, sore throat, eye irritation, widespread blistering or peeling of skin
Seek urgent medical assessment for sudden serious problems such as:
- Visual disturbance, severe eye pain or halos
- Very fast or irregular heartbeat, severe breathlessness, sudden dizziness or fainting
- Signs of low sodium: severe cephalalgia, confusion, slurred speech, severe weakness or vomiting
- Severe muscle stiffness with high temperature, confusion and fast heart rate
Suspect serotonin syndrome if you develop agitation, hallucinations, fever, muscle rigidity, coordination loss, fast heartbeat, severe nausea, vomiting or diarrhea. This is a time sensitive medical emergency.
Common, mild in the majority of cases secondary consequences include:
- Insomnia symptoms, vivid dreams, head pain sensation, dizziness or drowsiness
- Tremor, nervousness or increased anxiety
- Dry mouth, sweating, hot flushes, yawning or fatigue
- Nausea, reduced appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea
- Altered libido, erectile issues or difficulties with orgasm
If unwanted health consequences persist or are troublesome, contact your prescriber or pharmacist.
Interpersonal engagements between medicines and combinations to avoid
Fluoxetine interacts with many medicines. Some combinations increase the risk of bleeding, cardiac rhythm changes, excessive sedation or serotonin syndrome.
- Other antidepressants and serotonergic therapies: SSRIs, SNRIs, MAOIs, tricyclics, St Johns wort oil, tryptophan
- Medications affecting heart rhythm or prolonging the QT interval
- Certain analgesics and opioids: tramadol, fentanyl and some strong pain medicines
- Anticoagulants and antiplatelets: warfarin and similar agents
- Migraine triptans (for example sumatriptan or rizatriptan)
- Some antibiotics, antifungals, antiretrovirals, antimalarials and cancer drugs may interact
- Stimulant agents used in psychiatry used for ADHD and some antipsychotics
- Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as ibuprofen, naproxen and aspirin (increased bleeding risk)
Always give your prescriber a full list of prescription medicines, over-the-counter drugs and supplements before you proceed fluoxetine.
More on this MAOI timing and contraindication considerations for important sequencing rules.
Missed a dose and feasible to accomplish take too much medicine steps
A i missed one dose: take it as soon as you remember unless the next dose is due soon. Do not take more than one dose at a time to make up for a i missed one dose.
Overdosed: if you suspect someone has taken too much fluoxetine, call emergency services or proceed to the nearest emergency department immediately.
Safe we require additional storage for our inventory. and secure disposal
- Preserve at normal room temperature, away from direct heat and humidity.
- Keep medicines in their original packaging with the cap or seal closed.
- Keep out of the reach of children and pets.
- Return unwanted or expired medicines to a pharmacy for safe disposal rather than throwing them in household waste.
Natural medicines and a brief cost comparison (GBP)
Several other antidepressants may be considered depending on the clinical situation. Choice depends on symptom profile, previous response, side-effect risk and frequent the exchange that happens when people meets boost coordination..
- Sertraline therapy regimens, citalopram, escitalopram, paroxetine are four SSRIs.
- SNRI agents include venlafaxine and duloxetine
- Other agents: mirtazapine, bupropion (note: bupropion is licensed in the UK mainly for smoking cessation; antidepressant use is off-label)
Price notes (indicative, United Kingdom, generic products): NHS prescription charge in England is typically around 9.90 GBP per item; prescriptions are free in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Private costs for a 28-tablet pack of generic fluoxetine 20 mg often range from about 2 GBP to 6 GBP for the drug itself, with dispensing and consultation fees bringing typical monthly private totals to approximately 10 GBP to 25 GBP depending on service and pharmacy.
Generic sertraline and citalopram usually cost in a similar lower price band. Branded versions or special formulations can be more expensive. Always do a quick check. current prices with your chosen pharmacy.
NHS, status of legality and guidance for buying
- Fluoxetine is a Prescription Only Medicine (POM) in the UK and requires a prescription from a UK-registered prescriber.
- Dispensing must be carried out by a pharmacy registered with the General Pharmaceutical Council (GPhC).
- Online pharmacies must be properly registered; check GPhC details and MHRA advice before purchasing online.
- Importing prescription medicines into the UK without a valid UK prescription can breach regulations and may result in seizure by Border Force.
- Off-label prescribing is legal when clinically justified and documented by the prescriber.
- Report adverse reactions via the MHRA Yellow Card scheme.
For your safety do not share prescription medicines with others and do not use fluoxetine unless directed by an appropriate healthcare professional.
Express FAQs
When will I feel more like myself? Some people notice mood changes within 1 to 2 weeks, but significant improvement often takes 4 to 6 weeks.
Is drinking alcohol possible while I am on fluoxetine? It is best avoided or kept to a minimum since alcohol can increase drowsiness and negatively affect mood.
Is fluoxetine safe for use in pregnancy? This requires a risk-benefit discussion with your obstetrician or GP as risks and benefits vary by individual.
I take an NSAID or blood thinner. Is that a problem? There can be an increased bleeding risk. Discuss this with your prescriber and consult Therapeutic mutual interactions among teammates fuel progress. between medications.
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