Fluoxetine is an antidepressant and is used in the treatment of depression for both children and adults , it is also used to treat obsessive-compulsive disorders (an anxiety disorder which is characterized by some thoughts that makes the patient apprehensive, worried, uneasy and afraid) in both children and adults, bulimia nervosa(eating disorder seen in excessive eating and in large quantities), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder(this is termed disorder when the normal premenstrual syndrome becomes severe and constant). Fluoxetine can be used in combination with Olanzapine to treat manic depression (depression which is caused by some bipolar disorders); this combination is used when other antidepressants have been used for the treatment of the depression without any effective results seen. Fluoxetine is also used in the treatment of other diseases not popularly connected with it such diseases includes; obesity, alcohol dependence, cataplexy( a definite muscle tone loss which is as a result of emotional problems), Fluoxetine is also used in the treatment of post traumatic stress disorders, attention- deficit disorder, sleep disorders, Tourette`s syndrome, premature ejaculation, phobias and borderline personality.
How To Take Fluoxetine: Fluoxetine is produced in different forms; tablets, capsules and liquid. Fluoxetine can be taken after eating or before eating and it is often taken orally. While the tablets and capsules are taken one time in a day, usually in the mornings, the liquid is taken two times in a day (in the morning and in the afternoon). The special capsule of Fluoxetine, the delayed- released capsule is not taken daily but once in a week. The dosage that is administered is depended on the disease it is used to treat and the severity of the condition. Fluoxetine is usually given once in everyday for severe conditions and once in some days of the month. It is best to take Fluoxetine at certain time on each administration to help its metabolism and maintain a constant level of Fluoxetine in your body. You should always take Fluoxetine according to prescription. Fluoxetine is usually given in smaller doses and gradually increased for the safety of the patient; this is done to always maintain a particular level of the drug and avoiding an excessive and rapid effect of Fluoxetine in the patient. Suddenly stopping the use of Fluoxetine may show withdrawal symptoms such as; mood swings, tiredness, insomnia(difficulty in sleeping), headache, agitation, numbness in hand or feet, confusion and irritability.
Possible Side Effects Of Fluoxetine: The side effects that can be seen with the use of Fluoxetine are; behavior changes, increased depression, Impulsive feeling mental and physical hyperactivity, hostile, irritable having thoughts of self hurt or even suicide. There are also more severe side effects that can be noticed with the use of Fluoxetine such as severe blistering, rigid muscles, fever, palpitation, problem concentrating, hallucinations, and loss of coordination, shallow breathing and fainting. If these symptoms are noticed see your doctor immediately.
