Fluoxetine: Restore Balance with Proven SSRI Efficacy
| Product dosage: 10mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 180 | $0.30 | $53.32 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.27
Best per cap | $106.64 $95.46 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| Product dosage: 20mg | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Package (num) | Per cap | Price | Buy |
| 60 | $0.57 | $34.40 (0%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 90 | $0.52 | $51.60 $46.44 (10%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 120 | $0.48 | $68.80 $57.62 (16%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 180 | $0.45 | $103.20 $81.70 (21%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 270 | $0.44 | $154.80 $117.82 (24%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
| 360 | $0.43
Best per cap | $206.40 $153.94 (25%) | 🛒 Add to cart |
Synonyms
| |||
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) indicated for the management of major depressive disorder (MDD), obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and in combination with olanzapine for treatment-resistant or bipolar I depression. It functions by increasing serotonin activity in the central nervous system, which helps improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. This medication is available in oral formulations, including capsules, tablets, and liquid solution, and is recognized for its well-established efficacy and generally favorable tolerability profile in both acute and maintenance therapy.
Features
- Active ingredient: Fluoxetine hydrochloride
- Available forms: Capsules (10 mg, 20 mg, 40 mg), tablets (10 mg, 20 mg, 60 mg), oral solution (20 mg/5 mL)
- Pharmacologic class: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
- Half-life: 1–3 days (acute), 4–6 days (chronic); active metabolite norfluoxetine half-life: 7–15 days
- FDA-approved indications: Major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, panic disorder, and depressive episodes associated with bipolar I disorder (in combination with olanzapine)
- Administration: Oral, with or without food
Benefits
- Effective reduction of depressive symptoms and improvement in overall mood and functioning
- Decreased frequency and intensity of obsessive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
- Reduction in binge-eating and purging behaviors in bulimia nervosa
- Alleviation of panic attack frequency and anticipatory anxiety
- Long-term maintenance of symptom remission with continued use
- Generally favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants
Common use
Fluoxetine is commonly prescribed for the treatment of major depressive disorder in adults and pediatric patients aged 8 years and older. It is also widely used for obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. Off-label uses may include premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), social anxiety disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and Raynaud’s phenomenon. Treatment response is typically observed within 1–4 weeks, though full therapeutic benefit may require several weeks of consistent dosing.
Dosage and direction
Dosage must be individualized based on indication, patient response, and tolerability. For major depressive disorder in adults, the initial dose is 20 mg once daily in the morning, which may be increased after several weeks if inadequate response is observed. Maximum recommended dose is 80 mg/day. For OCD, the initial dose is 20 mg daily, with a therapeutic range of 20–60 mg/day. For bulimia nervosa, the recommended dose is 60 mg once daily in the morning. For panic disorder, start with 10 mg/day, increasing to 20 mg/day after one week. Dosage adjustments are necessary in hepatic impairment, and lower initial doses are recommended in elderly patients or those with concurrent medical conditions. Administer with or without food; however, consistent administration with regard to meals is advised.
Precautions
Monitor patients for clinical worsening, suicidality, or unusual changes in behavior, particularly during initial treatment and dose adjustments. Use with caution in patients with a history of mania/hypomania. May cause hyponatremia, especially in elderly patients or those taking diuretics. Use cautiously in patients with diabetes; fluoxetine may alter glycemic control. May increase the risk of bleeding, especially when used with NSAIDs, aspirin, or other drugs that affect coagulation. Discontinuation syndrome may occur upon abrupt cessation; taper dose gradually. advise patients to avoid alcohol during treatment.
Contraindications
Hypersensitivity to fluoxetine or any component of the formulation. Concomitant use with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within 14 days of discontinuing MAOI therapy due to risk of serotonin syndrome. Concomitant use with pimozide or thioridazine. Use of fluoxetine within 5 weeks of discontinuing MAOIs. Not recommended in patients with uncontrolled narrow-angle glaucoma.
Possible side effect
Common side effects (≥5%) include headache, nausea, insomnia, drowsiness, fatigue, anxiety, nervousness, dizziness, diarrhea, dry mouth, anorexia, sweating, and rash. Sexual dysfunction (decreased libido, anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction) may occur. Less common but serious adverse effects include serotonin syndrome, QT prolongation, seizures, angle-closure glaucoma, abnormal bleeding, hyponatremia, and manic episodes. Withdrawal symptoms (dizziness, sensory disturbances, agitation, anxiety) may occur upon discontinuation.
Drug interaction
Contraindicated with MAOIs, pimozide, and thioridazine. May increase levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2D6 (e.g., tricyclic antidepressants, antipsychotics, antiarrhythmics). May enhance effects of serotonergic drugs (triptans, tramadol, lithium, tryptophan) increasing risk of serotonin syndrome. May increase bleeding risk with anticoagulants, antiplatelets, and NSAIDs. May interact with drugs that prolong QT interval. Use cautiously with other CNS depressants. May alter levels of phenytoin, carbamazepine, and warfarin.
Missed dose
If a dose is missed, it should be taken as soon as remembered unless it is close to the time of the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and resume the regular dosing schedule. Do not double the dose to make up for a missed one. Consistent daily administration is important for maintaining therapeutic serum levels.
Overdose
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, agitation, restlessness, hypomania, seizures, and drowsiness. Fatalities have been reported with mixed overdoses, particularly with concomitant medications. There is no specific antidote. Provide supportive care and symptomatic treatment. Gastric lavage may be considered if presented early. Activated charcoal may be administered. Monitor cardiac function and vital signs. Consider ECG monitoring due to potential for QT prolongation.
Storage
Store at controlled room temperature (20–25°C or 68–77°F). Keep in a tightly closed container, protected from light and moisture. Do not freeze the oral solution. Keep out of reach of children and pets. Properly discard any unused medication after the expiration date or when no longer needed.
Disclaimer
This information is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional for diagnosis and treatment decisions. Do not initiate, adjust, or discontinue medication without medical supervision. Individual response to fluoxetine may vary. Full prescribing information should be reviewed before use.
Reviews
Clinical studies and meta-analyses consistently demonstrate fluoxetine’s efficacy in treating major depressive disorder, with response rates typically between 50–70% in controlled trials. It shows particular benefit in maintaining long-term remission and preventing relapse. Patient reviews often note improved mood, energy, and functionality, though some report initial side effects such as nausea or insomnia that often diminish with continued use. Many appreciate its once-daily dosing and proven long-term safety profile. However, individual experiences vary, and some patients may require dose adjustments or alternative treatments.