Fluoxetine
Also sold as: Prozac
Prescription neededAntidepressants
Comes as:CapsuleTablet
Usual adult dose
Usual adult dose: 20 mg once a day in the morning. The doctor may raise the dose slowly; it can take 2 to 4 weeks to feel better. Do not stop it suddenly without your doctor.
Your doctor may give you a different dose. Children's doses depend on weight.
Side effects
Common
- nausea
- headache
- trouble sleeping
- nervousness
- loss of appetite
- sexual problems
Serious — get help
Stop taking it and see a doctor straight away if you notice:
- thoughts of suicide or self-harm
- severe agitation
Do not take it, or take care, if
- Taking, or recently stopped, an MAO inhibitor antidepressant
- Bipolar disorder (use with caution)
- Epilepsy (use with caution)
- Young people under 25 (watch closely for suicidal thoughts)
- Pregnancy and breastfeeding (ask your doctor)
Interactions
Medicines that can react with this one.
Serious3 medicinesDo not take these together unless your doctor says so.
- Dextromethorphan
Fluoxetine raises dextromethorphan levels and the combination can cause serotonin syndrome.
- Pethidine