About fluoxetine hydrochloride
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Used for
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Panic disorder
Usual adult dose
Depression: usually 20 mg once daily; doses may be adjusted. Other conditions have different dosing.
Usual dose in children
For depression, ages 8–18: usually 10 mg daily, sometimes increased to 20 mg daily under specialist supervision.
Common side effects
- Nausea or diarrhoea
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping or tiredness
- Sexual problems
Important warnings
- Can increase suicidal thoughts, especially in young people early in treatment.
- Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance; withdrawal symptoms may occur.
- May cause serotonin syndrome, bleeding, seizures, or low blood sodium.
- Not suitable with monoamine oxidase inhibitors or pimozide.
Pregnancy
Use only after weighing benefits and risks with a clinician; late-pregnancy use may affect the newborn.
Breastfeeding
Fluoxetine enters breast milk and may accumulate; use requires assessment of benefits and risks.
Interactions
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and other serotonergic medicines can cause serious reactions.
- NSAIDs, aspirin, and anticoagulants may increase bleeding risk.
- Some heart-rhythm medicines can increase abnormal rhythm risk.
- Tamoxifen may work less effectively.
AI-generated from general medical knowledge, not from this product's official leaflet. It may be incomplete or out of date. Not medical advice — ask a pharmacist or doctor before making any decision.