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Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet
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Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet

Manufactured bySigmund Promedica
ContainsFluoxetine
Description
Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet is an antidepressant medicine. It is used to treat depression and other mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (unwanted thoughts and repetitive behaviors you feel compelled to perform), panic disorder (feelings of fear, rapid breathing, and fast heart rate), etc. This medicine works by increasing the levels of a chemical substance in your brain and helps in stabilising your mood and feeling of well-being. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may cause common side effects such as headache, nausea, decreased appetite, restlessness, nervousness, dizziness, sleepiness, sweating, etc. Consult your doctor if these symptoms stay for a long time or if they become severe. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet can be taken with or without food as advised by your doctor. Take it at the same time every day for the ease of remembering. Avoid discontinuing the treatment without consulting your doctor as it may cause withdrawal symptoms such as anxiety, sleep disturbances, irritability, etc. To avoid these, gradual dose reduction is necessary under your doctor’s supervision. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet is not recommended if you are allergic to it. Inform your doctor if you have diabetes, liver problems, or a history of seizures, glaucoma (damage to the optic nerve in the eyes leading to loss of vision) before taking this medicine. Inform your doctor about your current medicines to avoid any undesired side effects due to interaction with this medicine. If you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or are breastfeeding, consult your doctor before taking this medication.
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Side effectsConcernsUsageRelated products

Substitutes

List of substitutes for Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet

Fludawn 20 MG Capsule
Micro Labs Ltd.
Fludep 20 MG Capsule
Cipla Ltd.
Flunil 20 MG Capsule
Intas Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Normatine 20 MG Capsule
Mankind Pharmaceuticals Ltd.
Platin 20 MG Capsule
Wockhardt Ltd.

Side effects

Major & minor side effects for Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet

  • Decreased appetite
  • Restlessness
  • Anxiety and nervousness
  • Dizziness
  • Sleepiness
  • Vision disturbances
  • Nausea
  • Dry mouth
  • Frequent urination
  • Weight change
  • Photosensitivity
  • Muscle pain
  • Excessive sweating
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Decreased sexual drive

Uses of Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet

What is it prescribed for?

  • Bulimia
  • Major depressive disorder
  • Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
  • Panic disorder
  • Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder
Read More
Concerns

Commonly asked questions

  • How long does it take for this medicine to take effect?
    The time required for Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet to show its effect is not clinically known.
  • How long do the effects of this medicine last?
    The time for which Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet remains active in your body is not clinically known.
  • Is it safe to consume alcohol while taking this medicine?
    Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.
  • Is this a habit forming medicine?
    No habit-forming tendency has been reported with Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet.
  • Can this medicine be taken during pregnancy?
    Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.
  • Can this medicine be taken while breast-feeding?
    Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet passes into breastmilk, hence it is not recommended while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.

Allergy

Avoid taking Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet if you are allergic to it. Seek immediate medical attention if you notice any symptoms such as skin rash, swelling and/or itching (especially in the face, lips, throat, etc.), dizziness, breathing difficulty, etc. after taking this medicine.

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors are a class of medicines used to treat depression. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet is not recommended if you have taken such medicine within the last 14 days due to the increased risk of serious side effects.
Warnings for special population

Pregnancy

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet is not recommended for use during pregnancy unless absolutely necessary. If you are pregnant, consult your doctor about the potential benefits and risks.

Breast-feeding

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet passes into breastmilk, hence it is not recommended while breastfeeding. Consult your doctor if you are breastfeeding.
General warnings

Suicidal thoughts

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution due to the increased risk of suicidal thoughts. Closely monitor for any change in behavior or mood while taking this medicine. Consult your doctor immediately if you experience suicidal thoughts or behaviour.

Abnormal bleeding

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may increase the risk of bleeding. Hence, it should be used with caution if you have active bleeding or if you are taking medicines like NSAIDs (class of medicine used to relieve pain), Aspirin, or Warfarin as it may further increase the risk of bleeding. Report any unusual bleeding or bruising to your doctor immediately.

Altered appetite and weight

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may result in weight loss due to loss of appetite. Hence, close monitoring of body weight is recommended during treatment with this medicine.

Withdrawal symptoms

Avoid abrupt discontinuation of Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet as it may result in withdrawal symptoms such as nausea and/or vomiting, headache, anxiety, dizziness, sleep disturbances, irritability, etc. Your doctor will reduce the dose of this medicine slowly over a period of time to prevent any undesired effects.

Hyponatremia (Low blood sodium levels)

Hyponatraemia refers to low levels of sodium in your blood. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution as it may increase the risk of hyponatraemia. This risk is especially high if you are taking diuretics (medications that increases the removal of water and salt from your body via urine). Close monitoring of your blood pressure and sodium levels is recommended while taking this medicine.

Driving or operating machines

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may cause dizziness, sleepiness, or visual disturbances. If you experience such symptoms, avoid driving or operating machines.

Missed Dose

Try not to skip a dose of Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet. Take the missed dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed one. Do not double the dose to compensate for a missed one.

Overdose

Never take more than the prescribed dose. Seek immediate medical attention in case of an overdose with Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet.
All drugs interact differently for person to person. You should check all the possible interactions with your doctor before starting any medicine.
Interaction with Alcohol

Description

N/A

Instructions

Consumption of alcohol is not recommended during treatment with Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet due to the increased risk of side effects such as dizziness, drowsiness, difficulty in concentration, etc. Avoid activities that require mental alertness if you experience these symptoms after taking this medicine.
Interaction with Medicine

Tramadol

Tramadol

Diuretics

Diuretics

Bromocriptine

Bromocriptine

Amoxapine

Amoxapine

Phenytoin

Phenytoin

Tamoxifen

Tamoxifen

Metoprolol

Metoprolol

Disease interactions

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve (the nerve connecting the eye to the brain) is damaged, usually due to increased pressure in your eyes. Use of Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may result in an increased pressure within your eyes. Hence, it should be used with caution if you have a history of glaucoma as it may worsen your condition.

Diabetes

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have diabetes as this medicine can alter your blood sugar levels. Hence, closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medicine.

Liver Disease

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have pre-existing liver problems as it may lead to an increased concentration of this medicine in the blood and further increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments based on your condition.

Seizure disorders

Seizure is a condition in which there is disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain resulting in abnormal behaviour and loss of consciousness. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have seizure disorder as it may increase the risk of triggering seizures.

Mania

Mania/manic episode is a mood disorder with extremely elevated mood and hyperactivity. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may increase the risk of mania, hence it should be used with caution if you have a history of mania.

QT Prolongation

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, a condition with an irregular heartbeat. Hence, use this medicine with caution if you have a history of this condition. Your doctor may suggest tests periodically to assess the functioning of your heart.

Glaucoma

Glaucoma is a condition in which the optic nerve (the nerve connecting the eye to the brain) is damaged, usually due to increased pressure in your eyes. Use of Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may result in an increased pressure within your eyes. Hence, it should be used with caution if you have a history of glaucoma as it may worsen your condition.

Diabetes

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have diabetes as this medicine can alter your blood sugar levels. Hence, closely monitor your blood sugar levels while taking this medicine.

Liver Disease

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have pre-existing liver problems as it may lead to an increased concentration of this medicine in the blood and further increase the risk of side effects. Your doctor may recommend dose adjustments based on your condition.

Seizure disorders

Seizure is a condition in which there is disturbed nerve cell activity in the brain resulting in abnormal behaviour and loss of consciousness. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet should be used with caution if you have seizure disorder as it may increase the risk of triggering seizures.

Mania

Mania/manic episode is a mood disorder with extremely elevated mood and hyperactivity. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may increase the risk of mania, hence it should be used with caution if you have a history of mania.

QT Prolongation

Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may increase the risk of QT interval prolongation, a condition with an irregular heartbeat. Hence, use this medicine with caution if you have a history of this condition. Your doctor may suggest tests periodically to assess the functioning of your heart.
Food interactions
Information not available.
Lab interactions
Information not available.
This is not an exhaustive list of possible drug interactions. You should consult your doctor about all the possible interactions of the drugs you’re taking.
Take Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet with or without food as prescribed by your doctor. Do not take more or less than the prescribed dose. Avoid the discontinuation of this medicine without consulting your doctor as it may result in withdrawal symptoms. Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts. Consult your doctor if you experience any changes in mood or behavior. Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet as it may cause drowsiness and dizziness. Do not drive or operate machines if you feel sleepy or dizzy.
Miscelleneous

Can be taken with or without food, as advised by your doctor

To be taken as instructed by doctor

May cause sleepiness

How it works
Fluoxet 20 mg Tablet works by increasing the levels of a chemical substance in the brain called serotonin. This helps in reducing the symptoms by maintaining normal brain function. Thus, it helps to improve your mood and a feeling of well-being.
Legal Status

Approved

Approved

Unknown

Approved

Classification

Category

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, Antidepressants

Schedule

Schedule H

Medicines.org.uk. 2021. Fluoxetine 20 mg Capsules - Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC) - (emc). [online] Available at: < [Accessed 25 August 2021].

https://www.medicines.org.uk/emc/medicine/25737#gref>

Drugs, H., 2021. Fluoxetine: MedlinePlus Drug Information. [online] Medlineplus.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 25 August 2021].

https://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html>

Sohel, A., Shutter, M. and Molla, M., 2021. Fluoxetine. [online] Ncbi.nlm.nih.gov. Available at: < [Accessed 25 August 2021].

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459223/>

Accessdata.fda.gov. 2021. [online] Available at: < [Accessed 25 August 2021].

https://www.accessdata.fda.gov/drugsatfda_docs/label/2006/018936s076lbl.pdf>
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Information on this page was last updated on 14 Sep 2021

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