Fluoxetine is a prescription drug that is licensed to treat depression, panic disorder, OCD, and bulimia. This eMedTV page describes how fluoxetine works and offers a general overview of its possible side effects and dosing information.
Nausea, diarrhea, and anxiety are some of the possible side effects of fluoxetine. This eMedTV page lists other common side effects of the medication, explains which problems require medical attention, and covers rare but serious problems.
Fluoxetine can sometimes be prescribed off-label to treat premature ejaculation. This part of the eMedTV library further explores premature ejaculation and fluoxetine, and explains how the medication works to help delay ejaculation.
What is fluoxetine used for? As this eMedTV segment explains, fluoxetine is used for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and bulimia. Off-label uses may also include the treatment of alcoholism, anxiety, and autism.
If you are first starting depression or OCD treatment with fluoxetine, dosing usually starts at 20 mg. This eMedTV article also provides fluoxetine dosing guidelines for bulimia and panic disorder treatment and explains when and how to take the drug.
Medicines that may cause drug interactions with fluoxetine include triptans, aspirin, and digoxin. This eMedTV article offers a more complete list of drugs that may cause fluoxetine interactions and explains the possible consequences that may follow.
Fluoxetine may potentially cause unwanted weight loss. This eMedTV segment offers more precautions and warnings with fluoxetine, including other side effects that may occur and a list of certain people who should not take the medication.
Fluoxetine is currently available in generic form. As this eMedTV Web page explains, generic fluoxetine comes in capsule, tablet, and liquid form. Several companies make the generic products, including Teva Pharmaceuticals and Sandoz Pharmaceuticals.
It is recommended to avoid breastfeeding while you are taking fluoxetine. This eMedTV page explains that in clinical studies, the drug was shown to cause problems like vomiting and watery stools in nursing babies.
