Fluoxetine, an antidepressant is prescribed for disorders such as depression and is categorized with other serotonin reuptake drugs in the family of drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. The drug helps a person to come out of their depression and lead a normal life. The effects of the drug are quite long even after discontinuing the drug.
Like all antidepressants, fluoxetine has its share of side effects but they are not as serious as the side effects found in other drugs. The drug can cause dizziness and drowsiness, which is why the patient is normally advised to avoid activities that require the patient to be alert. Activities such as driving and using heavy machineries must be avoided until one becomes aware of the effects of the drug on them. Patients are usually advised to avoid alcohol when taking medications. Taking alcohol in this situation worsens the symptoms hence one must not drink during the medication.
Certain drugs when taken along with fluoxetine can lead to drug interaction, which is why patients must brief all the medications they are taking to their doctor. All drugs both prescribed and non-prescribed must be brought to the knowledge the doctor when being placed under the Fluoxetine medication. Patients must be regular in visiting their doctor for check up’s as the doctor needs to check one’s progress and change the dose levels if required. Informing your doctor about your other medical conditions is important, as some of the conditions will affect the levels of the dose prescribed. As the drug disturbs the blood sugar levels, diabetic patients should undergo regular checks to monitor their sugar levels. Patients suffering from liver and heart diseases must avoid using this drug and must use it only under a doctor’s guidance if it is an necessity.
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