Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that acts by stopping the re-intake of serotonin - a neurochemical released in the neurons.  It is used for the treatment of depression, eating disorder called bulimia nervosa and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Do not take Fluoxetine if you:

• Are allergic to fluoxetine

• Have chronic renal faliure

• Are breast feeding

• Suffer from uncontrolled epilepsy or other seizure disorder

• Are taking, or have taken within the last two weeks any monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).

Things to Tell Your Doctor. If you:

• Suffer from epilepsy or have had it in the past.
• Have a history of mania or bipolar disorder
• Suffer from heart, kidney or liver problems or diabetes.
• Have a history of bleeding disorders
• Are undergoing Electroconvulsive Therapy

What to do if you missed a dose ?

If you forget a dose, take it as soon as you remember it. However, if it is almost time for the next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not take a double dose to make up for a forgotten dose.

Most common side effects ?

The most common side effects with fluoxetine are itching, rash, difficulty breathing, fainting, swelling, feeling sick, diarrhoea, indigestion, dry mouth, difficulty swallowing, taste disturbances, headache, nervousness, dizziness, anxiety, difficulty sleeping, abnormal dreams, loss of appetite, drowsiness, fits.

Thoughts of suicide and worsening of your depression

If you are depressed you can sometimes also have thoughts of harming yourself or committing suicide. These thoughts may be increased when first starting to take this medication. Also antidepressants take about two weeks to start to work (before you can feel any effects) 

You are more likely to have this if you 

• Have previously had thoughts about harming yourself or committing suicide.
• Are a young adult of less than 25 years.

Please Note: If you have thoughts of harming yourself (or committing suicide) at any time, contact your doctor or go to a hospital at the soonest. You may find it helpful to tell a family or close friend that you are depressed or have an anxiety disorder, and ask them for their support. You might ask them to tell you if they think your depression or anxiety is getting worse, or if they are worried about changes in your behavior.