Fluoxetine:SSRI for Depression and Anxiety

Before you begin fluoxetine, your doctor needs the full picture. Tell them if you:

• Are taking any other medications (prescription and over the counter)
• Are currently taking or have recently used MAO inhibitors, triptans, tramadol, fentanyl, lithium, antipsychotics, amphetamines, or other serotonergic drugs
• Plan to have electroconvulsive therapy
• Have any liver or kidney problems, heart issues, a history of seizures, bipolar disorder or mania, low blood sodium, stroke, high blood pressure, or bleeding disorders
• Are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding

No, you should not drink alcohol while taking fluoxetine. Combining alcohol with fluoxetine can worsen side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and slowed thinking.

Fluoxetine can interact with other medications, so always give your doctor a complete list of everything you take before you begin treatment.

Some serious drug interactions with fluoxetine include:

• MAO inhibitors (MAOI): Do not start taking fluoxetine until at least 2 weeks after stopping an MAOI. Likewise, wait five weeks after you stop fluoxetine before starting an MAOI. Taking them too close together can lead to dangerous, even life-threatening effects.
• Thioridazine (Mellaril): Do not take thioridazine for at least five weeks after you stop fluoxetine. Combining them can cause severe heart rhythm problems or sudden death.
• Pimozide (Orap): Never use pimozide and fluoxetine at the same time, as this can trigger serious heart complications.

Only buy fluoxetine from reputable and trustworthy online pharmacies. Verify that the site has LegitScript approval to confirm that it meets strict safety and quality standards. ScriptsMD holds that approval, so you can trust that every order is safe and handled correctly.

If you’re pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding, discuss fluoxetine with your doctor before you start.

Fluoxetine is classified as Pregnancy Category C, which means there isn’t enough data from human studies to confirm its safety in pregnancy, and animal research has shown potential risks to the fetus. You and your doctor should consider both your health needs and any risks to your baby before deciding on this medication.

Fluoxetine also passes into breast milk and could affect an infant, so breastfeeding while taking this medication is generally not recommended.

Dosages differ depending on the condition being treated. Here are the general guidelines for adults.

• Depression (MDD): Begin with 20 mg each morning. After several weeks, your doctor may increase the dose as needed, up to 80 mg per day.
• Anxiety disorder: Begin at 10 mg per day. After one week, your doctor can raise it to 20 mg. The highest recommended dose is 60 mg once daily.

Your physician may adjust your dose based on how you respond and your medical history. Always follow the exact instructions provided by your doctor.

Some people taking fluoxetine may notice they’re eating less and losing weight. If you experience any worrisome changes in your weight, let your doctor know.