Overview Of Fluoxetine

Potential Side Effects

The most frequently reported potential side effects of fluoxetine include weakness, dry mouth, decreased appetite, sore throat, indigestion, nausea, and diarrhea. Patients have also reported yawning, sleepiness, sweating, hot flashes, and watery discharge from the nose. Some individuals who use fluoxetine might notice tremors, nervousness, or strange dreams. Although less common, some patients could develop more serious side effects. For example, the medication could cause low sodium in the blood, and this might lead to symptoms such as unsteadiness, memory problems, confusion, and headaches. Patients may experience symptoms of mania, including racing thoughts, reckless behavior, talking faster than usual, and significantly increased energy. Serotonin syndrome is a rare, potentially life-threatening side effect that could occur with fluoxetine. Symptoms of the syndrome include fever, overactive reflexes, rapid heart rate, vomiting, and hallucinations. If potential signs of serotonin syndrome are present, patients should seek emergency medical care. It is important to let the prescribing physician know as soon as possible about any side effects that occur with fluoxetine use, particularly if they are persistent or bothersome. It may be possible to adjust the patient's dose to reduce some of the side effects, and patients could also ask about being switched to another medication.

Discover the precautions to remember in association with fluoxetine next.

Precautions To Remember

Fluoxetine can cause suicidal thoughts or actions in some patients, and these are particularly likely to occur in the first few months of using the medicine. Patients should have their mood and mental health monitored at regular follow-up appointments during their fluoxetine treatment, and many are asked to participate in psychotherapy as part of their treatment plan. Seniors may have a higher risk of experiencing side effects with fluoxetine, and physicians might choose to prescribe a lower dose for patients in this age group. Individuals with diabetes may need to monitor their blood glucose levels more frequently while taking fluoxetine. The medication has been shown to cause low blood glucose, and patients could see increases in their blood glucose readings once they discontinue fluoxetine. Patients with liver disease may need to take fluoxetine at a lower dose than other individuals. Liver damage can make it more difficult for the body to process fluoxetine, and patients with liver issues may be at a higher risk of fluoxetine side effects. This medication is not recommended for patients who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Before prescribing fluoxetine, doctors will need to know if the patient has ever received electroconvulsive therapy or if they have any history of epilepsy, seizures, bipolar disorder, kidney disease, liver cirrhosis, substance use issues, or narrow-angle glaucoma. Fluoxetine may not be safe for individuals with these conditions, or it may need to be used with caution. This medication should be stored at room temperature, and it needs to be kept away from moisture and heat. Due to the risk of withdrawal symptoms, fluoxetine must be discontinued gradually. Patients who wish to stop taking the medicine should speak with their doctor about an appropriate tapering schedule.

Learn about potential medication interactions with fluoxetine next.