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Chemical Name: FLUOXETINE (floo-OX-uh-teen)
This medicine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to
treat depression, panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), or
bulimia. It may also be used to treat other conditions as determined by your
doctor.
WARNING: ANTIDEPRESSANT MEDICINES MAY INCREASE THE RISK OF SUICIDAL THOUGHTS
AND BEHAVIORS IN CHILDREN AND ADOLESCENTS, AND POSSIBLY ADULTS, WHO HAVE SEVERE
DEPRESSION OR CERTAIN OTHER MENTAL OR MOOD DISORDERS. Children, adolescents, and
adults who take this medicine should be monitored daily for any worsening of
their condition, thoughts of hurting themselves, or any other sudden or unusual
changes in mood or behavior, especially during the first few months after
starting this medicine and after any change in the dose of this medicine. If any
of these serious side effects occur, contact the doctor immediately. Some
medicines or medical conditions may interact with this medicine. INFORM YOUR
DOCTOR OR PHARMACIST of all prescription and over-the-counter medicine that you
are taking. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you are also taking astemizole,
dexfenfluramine, fenfluramine, sibutramine, terfenadine, thioridazine, or
tramadol. DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE with, or within 14 days of taking, a
monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI). MAOIs include furazolidone, isocarboxazid,
linezolid, moclobemide, phenelzine, procarbazine, selegiline, and
tranylcypromine. If you are currently taking any of the medicines mentioned
above, tell your doctor or pharmacist before starting this medicine. ADDITIONAL
MONITORING OF YOUR DOSE OR CONDITION may be needed if you are taking
nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medicines such as aspirin or ibuprofen, cisapride,
clozapine, cyclobenzaprine, cyproheptadine, lithium, propafenone, selegiline,
tricyclic antidepressants, or medicine for seizures. DO NOT START OR STOP any
medicine without doctor or pharmacist approval. Inform your doctor of any other
medical conditions including any mental or mood disorders (such as bipolar
disorder), allergies, pregnancy, or breast-feeding. Contact your doctor or
pharmacist if you have any questions or concerns about taking this medicine.
Follow the directions for using this medicine provided by your doctor. THIS
MEDICINE MAY COME WITH A PATIENT INFORMATION LEAFLET OR MEDICATION GUIDE. Read
it carefully. Ask your doctor, nurse, or pharmacist any questions that you may
have about this medicine. TAKE THIS MEDICINE WITH FOOD if it upsets your
stomach. STORE THIS MEDICINE at room temperature, away from heat and light.
CONTINUE TO TAKE THIS MEDICINE even if you feel better. Do not miss any doses.
IF YOU MISS A DOSE OF THIS MEDICINE, skip the missed dose and go back to your
regular dosing schedule. Do not take 2 doses at once.
DO NOT TAKE THIS MEDICINE if you have had an allergic reaction to it or are
allergic to any ingredient in this product. UP TO 4 WEEKS MAY PASS before this
medicine reaches its full effect. Do not stop taking this medicine without
checking with your doctor. KEEP ALL DOCTOR AND LABORATORY APPOINTMENTS while you
are taking this medicine. ADDITIONAL MONITORING OF YOUR CONDITION is recommended
at the start of treatment with this medicine and whenever a change to your dose
is made. If you experience anxiety, agitation, panic attacks, difficulty
sleeping, irritability, hostility, impulsive feelings, severe restlessness, or
worsening of depression contact your doctor as soon as possible. These may be
signs that your condition is worsening or that your treatment with this medicine
should be evaluated. If you are a parent or caregiver of a patient that is
taking this medicine, it is important for you to watch for these symptoms.
Contact the doctor as soon as possible if any of these symptoms occur. Contact
your doctor for more information. DO NOT DRIVE, OPERATE MACHINERY, OR DO
ANYTHING ELSE THAT COULD BE DANGEROUS until you know how you react to this
medicine. Using this medicine alone, with other medicines, or with alcohol may
lessen your ability to drive or to perform other potentially dangerous tasks.
THIS MEDICINE WILL ADD TO THE EFFECTS of alcohol and other depressants. Ask your
pharmacist if you have questions about which medicines are depressants. BEFORE
YOU BEGIN TAKING ANY NEW MEDICINE, either prescription or over-the-counter,
check with your doctor or pharmacist. This includes any medicines that contain
dextromethorphan. CAUTION IS ADVISED WHEN USING THIS MEDICINE IN CHILDREN OR
ADOLESCENT PATIENTS because they may be more sensitive to the effects of the
medicine. FOR WOMEN: IF YOU PLAN ON BECOMING PREGNANT, discuss with your doctor
the benefits and risks of using this medicine during pregnancy, especially
during the third trimester. THIS MEDICINE IS EXCRETED IN BREAST MILK. DO NOT
BREAST-FEED while taking this medicine.
SIDE EFFECTS, that may go away during treatment, include nervousness,
headache, drowsiness, fatigue, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, dry
mouth, sweating, dizziness, lightheadedness, muscle spasms, or changes in sexual
function. If they continue or are bothersome, check with your doctor. CONTACT
YOUR DOCTOR IMMEDIATELY if you experience severe nervousness or anxiety,
agitation, panic attacks, difficulty sleeping, feelings of irritability or
hostility, impulsive behavior or other unusual changes in behavior, severe
restlessness, worsening feelings of depression, thoughts of hurting yourself, or
any other mental or mood changes. AN ALLERGIC REACTION to this medicine is
unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of an
allergic reaction include rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, or trouble
breathing. If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor,
nurse, or pharmacist.
Drug interactions can result in unwanted side effects or prevent a medicine
from doing its job. Use our drug interaction checker to find out if your
medicines interact with each other. Check drug interactions
If overdose is suspected, contact your local poison control center or
emergency room immediately. Symptoms of overdose may include nausea, vomiting,
seizures, restlessness, fast or irregular heartbeat, and fainting.
DO NOT SHARE THIS MEDICINE with others for whom it was not prescribed. DO
NOT USE THIS MEDICINE for other health conditions. KEEP THIS MEDICINE out of the
reach of children and pets. IF USING THIS MEDICINE FOR AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF
TIME, obtain refills before your supply runs out.
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