fluoxetine
Brand names: Fluoxetine
# Fluoxetine Overview Fluoxetine is a medication used to treat depression, anxiety, and certain other mental health conditions. It works by helping to balance chemicals in the brain called neurotransmitters, which affect mood and emotions. This medication can help people feel better, sleep more soundly, and enjoy activities again. Doctors prescribe fluoxetine to both adults and children, depending on what condition needs treatment. It usually takes a few weeks to start working, so patients need to be patient and keep taking it as prescribed. There are some important safety things to know about fluoxetine. Patients should never take it with certain other medications called MAOIs, and they need to tell their doctor about all medicines they're taking because fluoxetine can interact with other drugs. One serious concern is that young people taking fluoxetine might have thoughts of hurting themselves, especially when first starting the medicine or changing doses—so close monitoring is important. Common side effects include nausea, sleep problems, and headaches, but these often improve over time. If someone decides to stop taking fluoxetine, they should talk to their doctor first, because suddenly stopping can cause problems. Pregnant women should also discuss this medication with their doctor before taking it.
Known Interactions
7 DRUG INTERACTIONS As with all drugs, the potential for interaction by a variety of mechanisms (e.g., pharmacodynamic, pharmacokinetic drug inhibition or enhancement, etc.) is a possibility. Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs): ( 2.9 , 2.10 , 4.1 , 5.2 ) Drugs Metabolized by CYP2D6: Fluoxetine is a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6 enzyme pathway ( 7.7 ) Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs): Monitor TCA levels during coadministration with fluoxetine or when fluoxetine has been recently discontinued ( 5.2 , 7.7 ) CNS Acting Drugs: Caution should be used when taken in combination with other centrally acting drugs ( 7.2 ) Benzodiazepines: Diazepam – increased t½, alprazolam - further psychomotor performance decrement due to increased levels ( 7.7 ) Antipsychotics: Potential for elevation of haloperidol and clozapine levels ( 7.7 ) Anticonvulsants: Potential for elevated phenytoin and carbamazepine levels and clinical anticonvulsant toxicity ( 7.7 ) Serotonergic Drugs: ( 2.9 , 2.10 , 4.1 , 5.2 ) Dr
Source: FDA-approved drug labeling via openFDA
Most Reported Side Effects (FAERS)
- DRUG INEFFECTIVE8,155 reports
- NAUSEA7,514 reports
- FATIGUE7,497 reports
- HEADACHE6,385 reports
- DEPRESSION6,053 reports
- ANXIETY5,841 reports
- DIZZINESS5,225 reports
- DIARRHOEA5,224 reports
- PAIN5,071 reports
- OFF LABEL USE4,974 reports
Source: FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). Voluntary reports do not establish causation.
Check interactions with fluoxetine:
SafeCheck provides drug interaction information from FDA-approved product labeling (openFDA). This is for informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Always consult your healthcare provider before making medication decisions.