About fluoxetine hydrochlo
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressant
Used for
- Depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Panic disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
Usual adult dose
Usually 20 mg once daily initially; dose may be adjusted according to condition and response.
Usual dose in children
For depression or obsessive-compulsive disorder, usually 10 mg daily initially; specialist-guided dosing may increase to 20 mg daily.
Common side effects
- Nausea or diarrhea
- Headache
- Difficulty sleeping or anxiety
- Sexual problems
Important warnings
- May increase suicidal thoughts in children and young adults, especially early in treatment.
- Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance; withdrawal symptoms can occur.
- Can cause serotonin syndrome, particularly with other serotonin-raising medicines.
- May increase bleeding risk or trigger mania in susceptible people.
Pregnancy
Use during pregnancy requires individualized review; late-pregnancy exposure may cause newborn adaptation problems. Do not stop suddenly without medical guidance.
Breastfeeding
Fluoxetine enters breast milk and may accumulate; monitor infants for feeding difficulty, irritability, or poor weight gain.
Interactions
- MAO inhibitors: serious interaction; a washout period is required.
- Other serotonergic medicines, including tramadol and St John’s wort, can cause serotonin syndrome.
- NSAIDs, aspirin, and anticoagulants can increase bleeding risk.
- Fluoxetine can alter levels of medicines including tamoxifen and some antipsychotics.
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 It may be incomplete or out of date.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.