What is fluoxetine and what is it for?

Depression is one of the most common psychiatric diseases worldwide, it is estimated that at least5% of the world’s population suffers frommajor depression. There is no treatment as such, but psychological and pharmacological management.

In this sense, the pharmaceutical industry has created drugs such asfluoxetine, an antidepressant of excellence. So in the next article, we will talk about this drug, its functions, adverse effects and contraindications.

What is fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is partof the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) drugs, used primarily in depression and also in other psychiatric disorders. SSRIs have displaced tricyclic antidepressants because theyhave fewer adverse effects.

Note: The mechanism of action of fluoxetineis similarto that of sertralineat the level of thecentral nervous system. It should be noted that fluoxetine comes as20 mg tablets, by mouth.

What is fluoxetine for?

The popularity of fluoxetine in psychiatry is due tothe ease of use, selective tolerability and low costs, compared to other drugs. Next, we will talk about its most frequent uses:

1. Depression and anxiety

The amine hypothesis suggests that depression iscaused by an alteration of serotonin andnoradrenaline receptors. Therefore, the treatment of depression involves SSRIs, such as fluoxetine. The same goes for panic attacks experienced by patients withanxiety.

Important: The American Psychiatric Society recommends treatment with fluoxetine and cognitive behavioral therapyin combination. The recommended dose is20 mg/day in adults , with a maximum dose of 60 mg per day. (1)

2. Obsessive Compulsive Disorder

Obsessive compulsive disorders are characterized by Uncontrollable and recurring actions and/or thoughts over which the patient has no control.

You should know: The use of fluoxetine at a dose of 20 mg/day for 10 weeks is recommended, although further studies are required on possible alternatives with higher rates of efficacy.

3. Bulimia nervosa

Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder , characterized by copious food intake in short periods of time and excessive concerns about the person’s body weight, appearance and, in general, a deteriorated relationship with diet.

for and, although they could be used in specific situations.

fluoxetine side effects

Fluoxetine can cause a number of adverse reactions, which can be life-threatening, depending on the severity levels. Next, we will explain the most common side effects:

• Hypersensitivity reactions.
• Decreased production of blood cells.
• Weight loss .
• Hyponatremia (low amounts of sodium in the blood).
• Serotonin syndrome, characterized by tachycardia, sweating, agitation, delusions , seizures and even coma.

Note: Serotonin syndrome is the most serious complication of fluoxetinetag. It is caused by an overexcitation of the body, as a result of serotonergic blockade(3)tag. Therefore, your treating physicianmust prescribe adequate doses .

Fluoxetine Contraindications

Fluoxetine is safer than other antidepressants, however, the risk of developing an adverse drug response is increased under the following circumstances:

• Known hypersensitivity to the drug.
• Pregnant and lactating women (its active metabolite, norfluoxetine, reaches breast milk).
• It should not be used in combination with drugs such as tricyclic antidepressants, monoamine oxidase inhibitors, anticoagulants, and antiepileptics.
• Alterations in the liver profile (liver failure).

Important: You must inform the doctor about the health conditions that are suffered , thus avoiding unwanted reactions and to receive more information about therapeutic alternatives.

Key Findings

• Fluoxetine is an Antipsychotic Medication , used in psychiatric conditions such as bipolar disorder, major depression, or bulimia nervosa.
• The main adverse effect of fluoxetine is serotonin syndrome , which occurs with severe systemic manifestations.
• Fluoxetine is contraindicated in patients with hypersensitivity or taking other drugs that cause central nervous system inhibition.