Overview Of Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a prescription medication primarily used to treat depression. It belongs to a group of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. The medication is taken orally on a daily basis, and it comes in tablet and liquid formulations. Doses range from ten to ninety milligrams. Patients who take fluoxetine could develop side effects such as nausea, sore throat, flu-like symptoms, indigestion, sleep disturbances, sweating, and diarrhea. Doctors will closely monitor patients during treatment with this medication, and patients should report any mood changes or abnormal bleeding to their prescribing physician immediately. Patients might be asked to attend counseling sessions as part of their overall treatment plan.

The uses, side effects, precautions, and potential medication interactions associated with fluoxetine are outlined below.

How It Works

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, and it is generally associated with a sense of calm and relaxation. As a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, fluoxetine works by helping the body use serotonin more effectively. While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors don't increase the amount of serotonin the body makes, they do prevent the blood from absorbing some of the brain's serotonin. This means a larger percentage of the body's serotonin can remain in the brain, and higher levels of serotonin are believed to reduce or alleviate the symptoms of depression. Along with fluoxetine, other types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include paroxetine, sertraline, citalopram, vilazodone, and escitalopram.

Get the details on the uses and benefits of fluoxetine next.

Fluoxetine Uses And Benefits

Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed to treat depression. Doctors may consider it in the treatment of major depression, depression associated with bipolar disorder, and depression that has not responded to other treatments. This medication is also used to treat panic attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and bulimia nervosa. It may be recommended as a treatment for mood swings, irritability, and sadness that can occur as a result of premenstrual dysphoric disorder.

In addition to these uses, doctors might consider prescribing fluoxetine for off-label uses to help certain patients. For example, fluoxetine may be offered to individuals coping with fibromyalgia, anorexia, social anxiety disorder, personality disorders, or post-traumatic stress disorder. It can be beneficial for patients with autism spectrum disorder, and it is sometimes recommended for individuals with obesity, hot flashes, or orthostatic hypotension. It may be helpful for patients who have Tourette's syndrome and for individuals dealing with an alcohol use issue.

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