Fluoxetine is the longest-acting of the common SSRIs, which changes a few practical things: it stays in the body for weeks after the last dose, withdrawal effects are usually milder, and interactions can persist after stopping.
Depression, obsessive compulsive disorder and bulimia nervosa. It is the SSRI most commonly used in children and young people where medication is indicated, always alongside psychological therapy and specialist supervision.
Once daily, usually in the morning because it can disturb sleep. With or without food.
The timeline is the usual SSRI one: hardest in the first two weeks, sleep and appetite improving before mood, fuller effect at four to six weeks, and treatment usually continued for at least six months after you feel well.
Fluoxetine and its active breakdown product stay in the body for several weeks. That has three consequences worth knowing:
Nausea, headache, difficulty sleeping, anxiety early on, reduced appetite, and sexual side effects are the common ones. Some people lose a little weight initially.
Get urgent help for a high temperature with muscle stiffness, sweating, agitation or a racing heart.
Tell your prescriber about other antidepressants, triptans, tramadol, St John’s wort, tamoxifen, anti-inflammatories and anticoagulants.
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