Fluoxetine Hydrochloride
Generic Details
Generic Name
Fluoxetine Hydrochloride
Other Names
- Prozac
- Sarafem
- Fontex
- Rapiflux
Drug Class
- Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
Chemical Formula
C17H18F3NO•HCl
Molecular Weight
345.79 g/mol
Mechanism of Action
- Inhibits the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, resulting in increased serotonin levels
Indications
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bulimia nervosa
- Panic disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
Common Dosage Forms
- Tablet
- Capsule
- Oral solution
Typical Dosage
- 20-80 mg per day for depression
- 10-60 mg per day for OCD
- 60 mg per day for bulimia nervosa
Pediatric Dosage
- Dosing based on weight and condition
Geriatric Dosage
- Lower starting doses and slower titration
Side Effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight changes
- Fatigue
Contraindications
- Hypersensitivity to fluoxetine
- Concomitant use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
Pregnancy Category
- Category C - Risk cannot be ruled out
Lactation Safety
- Excreted in breast milk, caution advised
Drug Interactions
- MAOIs
- Serotonergic drugs
- NSAIDs
- Warfarin
Overdose Symptoms
- Seizures
- Coma
- Cardiac arrest
Antidote for Overdose
- Activated charcoal
- Symptomatic and supportive treatment
Storage Conditions
- Store at room temperature away from moisture and heat
Pharmacokinetics
- Absorption: Well absorbed orally
- Distribution: Widely distributed in the body, crosses the blood-brain barrier
- Metabolism: Metabolized in the liver by CYP2D6 enzyme
- Excretion: Excreted in urine and feces
Precautions
- Caution in patients with a history of suicide attempts
- Monitor for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts
Warnings
- Black box warning for increased risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children, adolescents, and young adults
Others
- May take several weeks to show therapeutic effects