Fluoxetine
From SEHK Wiki
Drug class: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Fluoxetine (PROZAC)(中文:氟西汀)
Pronunciation
Fluoxetine 10mg
Fluoxetine 20mg
Common Strengths of Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine are available in the following strengths:
- 10 mg, 20 capsules
Drug Trade Names of Fluoxetine
Prozac
Drug Usage
- Depression
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bulimia nervosa
Mechanism of Action
It works by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, increasing its availability and enhancing neurotransmission.
Route of Administration
Oral
Dosages
- Depression: 20 mg/day, can be increased to 80 mg/day
- Panic disorder: 10 mg/day, can be increased to 60 mg/day
- OCD: 20 mg/day, can be increased to 80 mg/day
- Bulimia nervosa: 60 mg/day
Side Effects
| Frequency | Adverse reactions |
|---|---|
| Common | Nausea: Often mitigated by taking the medication with food |
| Headaches: Drinking plenty of fluids and resting can help; avoid excessive alcohol consumption | |
| Insomnia: Taking fluoxetine in the morning may reduce sleep disturbances | |
| Diarrhea: Staying hydrated is crucial to avoiding dehydration | |
| Fatigue or Weakness: Resting and avoiding activities that require alertness, such as driving | |
| Sexual Dysfunction: This includes decreased libido and difficulty achieving orgasm | |
| Dry Mouth: Staying hydrated and using sugat-free gum or candy can help alleviate dry mouth | |
| Dizziness: Moving slowly when changing positions can help reduce dizziness | |
| Serious | Suicidal Thoughts or Actions: This is particularly a concern in children, teenagers, and young adults, especially in the first few months of treatment or when the dose is changed. Symptoms include new or worsening depression, anxiety, or unusual changes in mood or behavior. |
| Serotonin Syndrome: This potentially life-threatening condition can occur when there is too much serotonin in the body. Symptoms include agitation, hallucinations, rapid heart rate, fever, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and muscle twitching. | |
| Severe Allergic Reactions: These include symptoms like diffculty breathing, swelling of the face, lips, tongue, or throat, and severe rash or hives. | |
| Abnormal Bleeding: This can manifest as unusual bruising or bleeding | |
| Low Sodium Levels: Particularly in older adults, symptoms include headache confusion weakness, and difficulty concentrating. | |
| Seizures | |
| Mania: Symptoms include excessively high energy, severe trouble sleeping, racing thoughts, reckless behavior, and unusually grand ideas. | |
| Less common but require immediate medical attention. |
