Fluoxetine is a medication used to treat major depression, bulimia nervosa (eating disorder characterized by binge-eating and vomiting), panic disorder (condition characterized by intense fear, anxiousness and physical symptoms) and obsessive-compulsive symptoms, states Drugs.com. Tell your doctor whether you are taking pimozide, thioridazine or a monamine oxidase inhibitor, as this can lead to major side effects.
Effects on Your Digestive System
Fluoxetine can harm components of your digestive system (esophagus, liver, stomach or intestines) and cause dysphagia (trouble swallowing), stomach ulcers, melena (black stools) or stomach infections such as gastritis and gastroenteritis, states RxList.com. Hematemesis (vomiting blood), hepatitis (liver infection), gastrointestinal bleeding and ulcers of your esophagus and small intestine are other side effects on your digestive system.
Psychiatric Problems
According to Drugs.com, fluoxetine can worsen existing psychiatric symptoms or you may develop new ones. For example, you may have constant feelings of sadness and may turn these feelings into suicidal thoughts or behaviors. You may become anxious, hostile, aggressive, restless, agitated or panicked. Address these symptoms promptly as they may progress and lead to a fatality.
Other Physical Side Effects
RxList.com states that fluoxetine can lead to skin sensitivity, chills, bruising or rashes. It may also cause your pupils to dilate in a condition called mydriasis or your sense of taste may be altered.
Overdose
Taking too much fluoxetine can lead to nausea, vomiting, drowsiness, fever, tachycardia (rapid heartbeat) and confusion, states Drugs.com. You may also experience an arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat), fainting spells or go into a coma. In the event of a fluoxetine overdose, get help immediately.
Neuroleptic Malignant -Like Syndrome and Serotonin Syndrome
RxList.com states that fluoxetine can lead to serious and potentially fatal conditions as serotonin syndrome or neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is characterized by such symptoms as agitation, coma or hallucinations. A fast heartbeat, changes in your blood pressure, nausea, vomiting and diarrhea are also other symptoms of serotonin syndrome. When serotonin syndrome becomes severe, it may transform into a neuroleptic malignant-like syndrome. When this occurs, you may experience muscle rigidity, changes in your mental status or hyperthermia (high body temperature). Seek immediate medical help if you develop any or all of these symptoms.
Allergic Reaction
Symptoms of an allergic reaction include trouble breathing and hives. You may also develop puffiness of your throat, lips or face, states Drugs.com.
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