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General Medication Fact Sheet for Fluoxetine
| Field | Information |
|---|---|
| Generic Name | Fluoxetine |
| Brand Name Versions | Prozac, Sarafem |
| Boxed/Label Warning | Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults. |
| Purpose | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. |
| Mechanism of Action | Selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system, increasing serotonin levels. |
| Dosage Forms | Oral capsules, oral tablets, oral liquid |
| Available Strengths | 10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg, 60 mg |
| Dosage Frequency | Typically once daily, in the morning, or as directed by a healthcare provider. |
| Common Side Effects | Nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, anxiety, decreased libido, sweating, tremor |
| Serious Side Effects | Serotonin syndrome, increased risk of bleeding, seizures, mania, angle-closure glaucoma |
| Drug Interactions | Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), other SSRIs, tricyclic antidepressants, antiplatelet drugs, anticoagulants, antipsychotics |
| Important Notes | Avoid alcohol. May take several weeks for full effect. Do not stop abruptly. Consult a doctor if you experience worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. |
| Storage | Store at room temperature away from moisture and light. |
| Missed Dose | Take as soon as you remember; skip if it’s almost time for your next dose. Do not double the dose. |
| Alternatives | Sertraline, Paroxetine, Citalopram, Escitalopram |
Fluoxetine Alternatives
| Medication | Mechanism of Action | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sertraline (Zoloft) | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) | Another commonly prescribed SSRI for depression and anxiety disorders. |
| Paroxetine (Paxil) | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) | Effective for depression, OCD, and panic disorder, but may have a higher risk of certain side effects. |
| Citalopram (Celexa) | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) | Well-tolerated SSRI, commonly used for depression. |
| Escitalopram (Lexapro) | Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) | The S-enantiomer of Citalopram, also well-tolerated and used for depression and anxiety. |
Fluoxetine Side Effects
| Common Side Effects | Serious Side Effects |
|---|---|
| Nausea | Serotonin Syndrome (confusion, agitation, muscle rigidity, fever) |
| Insomnia | Increased risk of bleeding |
| Drowsiness | Seizures |
| Anxiety | Mania |
| Decreased Libido | Angle-Closure Glaucoma |
| Sweating | Suicidal Thoughts or Behaviors |
| Tremor | Hyponatremia (low sodium levels) |
Fluoxetine Dosage Guide
| Condition | Starting Dose | Maintenance Dose | Administration Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Depression | 20 mg daily | 20-80 mg daily | Take in the morning. |
| Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD) | 20 mg daily | 20-60 mg daily | May require higher doses. |
| Bulimia Nervosa | 60 mg daily | 60 mg daily | Typically a higher dose. |
| Panic Disorder | 10 mg daily | 20-60 mg daily | Start with a lower dose to minimize anxiety. |
Fluoxetine Price With And Without Insurance
| Purchase Context | Estimated Price |
|---|---|
| With Insurance | $10 – $30 |
| Without Insurance (U.S.) | $20 – $50 |
| From CPS | $17 |
