Common
uses
This medicine is a selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, panic disorder,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or bulimia. This medicine may also be used
to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It may also be used to treat
other conditions as determined by your doctor.
Capsules
Chemical Name: FLUOXETINE (floo-OX-uh-teen)
Before
using
Some medicines or medical
conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of
all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you are taking. DO NOT TAKE
THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole, dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine,
sibutramine, terfenadine, thioridazine, tramadol, or monoamine oxidase
inhibitors (MAOIs). ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be
needed if you are taking cisapride, clozapine, cyclobenzaprine, cyproheptadine,
lithium, propafenone, selegiline, tricyclic antidepressants, or medicine for
seizures. Inform your doctor of any other medical conditions, allergies,
pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or pharmacist if you have any
questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Directions
Follow the directions for
using this medicine provided by your doctor. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH FOOD if it
upsets your stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat
and light. CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss
any doses. IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go
back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
Cautions
UP TO 4 WEEKS MAY PASS before
this medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without
checking with your doctor. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO ANYTHING ELSE
THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this medicine. Using
this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may lessen your
ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks. THIS MEDICINE
WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your pharmacist
if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE YOU BEGIN
TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter, check with
your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain
dextromethorphan. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with
your doctor the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy.
THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. The manufacturer of this medicine
states that taking this medicine while breast-feeding is not recommended.
CONSULT WITH YOUR DOCTOR ABOUT BREAST-FEEDING.
Possible
side effects
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away
during treatment, include nervousness, trouble sleeping, headache, drowsiness,
fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry mouth, sweating,
dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle spasms, or changes in sexual function. If
they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. If you notice other
effects not listed above, contact your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug
interactions
Drug interactions can result
in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine from doing its job. Use our drug
interaction checker to find out if your medicines interact with each other.
If
you take too much
If overdose is suspected,
contact your local poison control center or emergency room immediately.
Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting, seizures, restlessness, fast
or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.
Additional
information
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE
with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other
health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the reach of children and pets. IF
USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME, obtain refills before your
supply runs out.
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