• Basic Info
• Clinical Info

What is this medicine?

FLUOXETINE (floo OX e teen) belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It helps to treat mood problems such as depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and panic attacks. It can also treat certain eating disorders.

This medicine may be used for other purposes; ask your health care provider or pharmacist if you have questions.

What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?

They need to know if you have any of these conditions:

• bipolar disorder or mania
• diabetes
• liver disease
• psychosis
• seizures
• suicidal thoughts or history of attempted suicide
• an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
• pregnant or trying to get pregnant
• breast-feeding

How should I use this medicine?

Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take your medicine at regular intervals. Do not take it more often than directed. Do not stop taking except on your doctor's advice.

A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.

Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. While this drug may be prescribed for children as young as 7 years for selected conditions, precautions do apply.

Overdosage: If you think you have taken too much of this medicine contact a poison control center or emergency room at once.
NOTE: This medicine is only for you. Do not share this medicine with others.

What if I miss a dose?

If you miss a dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not take double or extra doses.

What may interact with this medicine?

Do not take fluoxetine with any of the following medications:

• other medicines containing fluoxetine, like Sarafem or Symbyax
• certain diet drugs like dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, phentermine
• cisapride
• medicines called MAO Inhibitors like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
• pimozide
• procarbazine
• St. John's wort
• thioridazine
• tryptophan

Fluoxetine may also interact with the following medications:

• alcohol
• any other medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
• aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
• carbamazepine
• cyproheptadine
• dextromethorphan
• flecainide
• lithium
• medicines for diabetes
• medicines for migraine headache, like sumatriptan
• medicines for sleep
• medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
• metoprolol
• NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
• phenytoin
• propafenone
• propranolol
• vinblastine

This list may not describe all possible interactions. Give your health care provider a list of all the medicines, herbs, non-prescription drugs, or dietary supplements you use. Also tell them if you smoke, drink alcohol, or use illegal drugs. Some items may interact with your medicine.

Last Updated: April 27, 2009