Fluoxetine

What is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant that helps treat mental health conditions, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder characterized by uncontrollable binge eating, followed by “purging” behavior, like self-induced vomiting or misusing laxatives). It can also be used off-label, under medical supervision, for other conditions like PTSD and seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Off-label prescribing is a fairly common practice in which clinicians recommend a medication outside its official FDA approval, such as for a different condition, age group, or dose.

It belongs to a family of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). You typically take one 20 mg dose daily, which can be increased to a maximum dose of 60 mg, but the dose does vary depending on the condition being treated.

How does Fluoxetine work?

Low levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood, have been linked to mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. Fluoxetine blocks the reuptake of serotonin, allowing more of it to remain active between nerve cells for longer.^[1] This can help improve mood and reduce symptoms such as persistent sadness, anxiety, and negative emotions.

What doses of Fluoxetine are there?

Fluoxetine capsules come in six doses: 10 mg, 20 mg, 30 mg, 40 mg, and 60 mg. Depending on the condition, the dose will vary. For depression and SAD, the typical dose is 20 mg daily, which can be increased to 60 mg if needed.

How to take Fluoxetine

To take Fluoxetine:

• Swallow Fluoxetine whole with water.
• Take it at the same time each day for best results.
• You can take it with or without food.

How long does Fluoxetine take to work?

It can take several weeks for Fluoxetine to start working, as your brain needs time to adjust to the increased serotonin levels. Studies have reported that within one week, your mood can improve, helping reduce negative emotions.^[1] But it can take around two months to feel the full effects of the medication.

If you don’t feel better after two months, let your clinician know. They may consider increasing your dose or suggesting an alternative treatment.

What should I do if I make a mistake when taking Fluoxetine?

If you accidentally took too much Fluoxetine, go to your nearest emergency room (ER) or let your doctor know immediately. You might experience overdose symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, and heart problems.

If you forget to take Fluoxetine, take it when you remember, unless it’s close to your next scheduled dose. Never take a double dose to make up for a missed one.

What should I do if I want to stop taking Fluoxetine?

Don’t stop taking Fluoxetine without your doctor’s supervision, even if you feel better. Stopping abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as sleep disturbances, restlessness, and headaches.