Side effects of fluoxetine

Fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a medication which is given to the patients who suffer from the depression, anxiety, eating disorder, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder or to women who have premenstrual dysphoric disorder. This medication is an antidepressant which affects unbalanced brain chemicals.

Safety Measures

Before you start taking Fluoxetine, inform your doctor about any other medical problem, especially kidney or liver disease, epilepsy or diabetes. Also inform your doctor about mental problems such as bipolar disorder or if you have an addiction or suicidal tendencies. Your doctor should also know whether you are taking any medications. Pregnant women and mothers who are breastfeeding should be careful while using Fluoxetine because it can cause serious damage to the baby. Discuss the options with your doctor because if you stop taking Fluoxetine abruptly, the symptoms of depression may appear again. You should avoid drinking alcohol while you are treated with Fluoxetine, because alcohol can make some of the side effects worse. Some of the side effects involve changes in thinking or dizziness, so you should be careful while you drive or do anything which requires alertness.

Common Side Effects

The most common side effects of Fluoxetine include dizziness, weakness, nausea, diarrhea and mouth dryness. You may also experience anxiety, nervousness, sleeping disorders, indigestion and loss of appetite. You may notice that you are less interested in sex. Other common side effects are similar to symptoms of flu, such as fever, chills, sore throat, aches in the muscles and runny nose. These side effects may go away as soon as your body adjusts to Fluoxetine. However, if any of the side effects becomes persistent and severe, contact your doctor.

Serious Side Effects

The serious side effects should be reported to your doctor as soon as you notice them. Such side effects may include worsening of your condition and you may experience panic attacks, suicidal tendencies, impulsiveness, irritability, physical or mental hyperactivity, and aggressiveness. Other serious side effects may include severe nausea, vomiting, headache, fever, excessive perspiration, stiffness of the muscles and severe skin problems such as blisters or peeling. You may also experience loss of memory, problems with coordination and hallucinations.

Allergic Reaction and Overdose

Contact your doctor as soon as you notice any signs of an allergic or overdose reaction. Allergic reactions to Fluoxetine may include breathing difficulties, tightness in the chest, skin disorders such as rash, irritation or itchiness, and swelling of the mouth, tongue or lips. If you overdose with Fluoxetine you may experience irregular pulse, fever, sleepiness, faintness, seizures, nausea, vomiting, confusion and even coma.