Fluoxetine

WHAT IS IT?

Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a an SSRI antidepressant. It works to selectively inhibit the re-uptake of seretonin.

WHEN DO WE USE IT?
WHEN DO WE AVOID USING IT?

Bipolar disorderantidepressants can precipitate mania in patients with this condition.

HOW IS IT ADMINISTERED?

This medication is orally administered.

Fluoxetine_20mg_with_Packet
Source
WHAT ARE THE SIDE EFFECTS/TOXICITY?

Seretonin syndrome: this can be caused when this medication is combined with other drugs (MAOI, SNRI, TCA) that increase seretonin levels.

Sexual dysfunction: this can include anorgasmia and decreased libido.

GI Effects: nausea, upset stomach

ANYTHING ELSE TO KEEP IN MIND?

Trial period: it normally takes about 4-8 weeks for antidepressants to work.

The ending “-etine” is used for the SSRI class of medications.

FURTHER READING

DynaMed

UpToDate

 

Page Updated: 07.23.2016