Fluoxetine, an antidepressant, works effectively to treat major depression and anxiety disorders, including panic disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders and eating disorders. As part of a group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, fluoxetine alters brain chemistry to improve moods, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness. The drug blocks the brain's reabsorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin, involved with emotions, after the chemical performs a function. This leaves patients with more serotonin. Like many medications, fluoxetine has side effects.
Effects
It takes several weeks for patients to feel the full effect of fluoxetine. SSRIs are among the newest antidepressants and they produce fewer side effects than older medications. Fluoxetine often has minor side effects that last temporarily for some people, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. The most common side effects of fluoxetine include headaches, drowsiness, dizziness, upset stomach, constipation, dry mouth, increased appetite, weight gain and insomnia. Some patients report sexual dysfunction. These effects may be reduced or eliminated by adjusting dosage or switching medications, according to the NIMH. Sometimes, the addition of certain anti-anxiety drugs may ease sexual side effects. However, the symptoms can be serious when the drug is mixed with other medications.
Considerations
Serious and fatal reactions can occur when taking fluoxetine with pimozide, thioridazine or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, known as MAOIs, which include phenelzine, tranylcypromine, isocarboxazid, selegiline or rasagiline, according to Drugs.com. Fluoxetine cannot be taken within at least 14 days after stopping a MAOI medication. People must allow five weeks after stopping fluoxetine before taking thioridazine or an MAOI. Aspirin, ibuprofen and naproxen may also interact with fluoxetine. Patients should inform their doctor of any medications they are currently taking.
Warning
Suicidal thoughts may occur while taking fluoxetine, especially for people younger than 24. Doctors should be contacted if depression becomes worse or suicidal thoughts develop. Doctors may advise families to be aware of such symptoms and may check the condition of patients on a regular basis.
Conditions
Doctors may not prescribe fluoxetine to patients with diabetes, seizures, epilepsy, bipolar disorder, kidney disease, cirrhosis of the liver and a history of substance abuse or suicidal thoughts. In some cases, special tests or dosage adjustments may be given to allow the intake of fluoxetine for some people with these conditions.
Overdosing
Patients taking fluoxetine should avoid drinking alcohol, which can intensify the drug's effects. Overdosing on fluoxetine may result in nausea, vomiting, fever, sleeping difficulties, rapid heartbeat, confusion, seizures or coma. People need immediate medical attention if they overdose on the drug. Other signs that may warrant emergency help include skin rash, breathing difficulty and swelling of the face, lips, tongue or throat, according to Drugs.com.
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