Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) Treatment For Anxiety

Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) 20 mg is among the most popular antidepressant medications on the market. It operates as an SSRI (selective-serotonin reuptake inhibitor) meaning it prevents the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It is thought to help with both depression and anxiety, but it is also prescribed for a number of other conditions.

Dosage & When it is to be taken : 

Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor. The recommended dose range is 20 - 80 mg/day.

Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, it should be taken regularly. Make a habit of taking it at the same time you do some other daily activity. It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your depression, but the drug's effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear.

Overdosage :

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Fluox can be fatal. In addition, combining Fluox with certain other drugs can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

Common symptoms of Fluox overdose include: Nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting

Other symptoms of Fluox overdose include: Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor.

Warnings and Precautions : 

Caution should be exercised in patients with history of seizures, heart, liver or kidney problems, stomach bleeding, sugar, metabolic problems, suicidal thoughts, any allergy, who are taking other medications, elderly, children, during pregnancy and breast feeding. 

It may cause drowsiness or dizziness, do not drive a car or operate machinery while taking this medication. 

Avoid alcohol consumption. 

It may develop increased risk of suicidal thoughts in children and teenagers; watch them carefully. 

It may affect blood sugar level; monitor sugar level regularly while taking this medication. 

Patient may develop with increased risk of neuroleptic malignant syndrome (NMS) with the following symptoms: fever, stiff muscles, confusion, abnormal thinking, fast or irregular heartbeat and sweating. If it is so consult with your doctor.

Patient may develop with increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome with the following symptoms: agitation, confusion, hallucinations, coma, fever, irregular heartbeat, tremor, excessive sweating, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Storage Conditions : 

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing. Keep out of the reach of children.

Facts About Depression

What is depression?

Most people have felt sad or depressed at times. Feeling depressed can be a normal reaction to loss, life's struggles, or an injured self-esteem.

But when feelings of intense sadness including feeling helpless, hopeless, and worthless last for many days to weeks and keep you from functioning normally, your depression may be something more than sadness. It may very well be clinical depression - a treatable medical condition.

Depression is a common, serious illness and not a personal weakness. Depression can happen to anyone, at any age, and to people of any race or ethnic group.

Depression, which is treatable, can come from chemical imbalances in the brain, hormonal changes, medications or things going on in your life.

Women suffer from depression twice as often as men. One out of four women may have depression sometime during their lifetime. Many people suffer with depression but do not seek help.

What are the symptoms of depression?

According to the National Institute of Mental Health, people with depressive illnesses don't all experience the same symptoms. How severe they are, how frequent, and how long they last will vary depending on the individual and his or her particular illness. Here are common symptoms people with depression experience:

- Persistent sad, anxious or "empty" mood

- Sleeping too much or too little, middle of the night or early morning waking

- Reduced appetite and weight loss, or increased appetite and weight gain

- Loss of pleasure and interest in activities once enjoyed, including sex

- Restlessness, irritability

- Persistent physical symptoms that do not respond to treatment (such as chronic pain or digestive disorders)

- Difficulty concentrating, remembering or making decisions

- Fatigue or loss of energy

- Feeling guilty, hopeless or worthless

- Thoughts of suicide or death

What causes depression?

Depression isn’t a simple condition with a known cause. Some people are more susceptible to depressive episodes while others are not. It’s important to discuss symptoms with your doctor. There are several possible causes of depression.

• Genetic - Depression may be an inherited condition. You may have a higher likelihood of experiencing a depressive disorder at some point in your life if you have a family member with depression. The exact gene involved in this is unknown.
• Biological - People with depression may have too little or too much of certain brain chemicals. Changes in these brain chemicals may cause or play a role in clinical depression.
• Medications - Side effects of some medications can bring about depression.
• Cognitive - People with negative thinking patterns and low self-esteem are more likely to develop clinical depression.
• Situational - Difficult life events, including divorce, financial problems or the death of a loved one can contribute to depression.

How is depression treated?

Depression is very treatable, with the overwhelming majority of those who seek treatment showing improvement. The most commonly used treatments are antidepressant medication, psychotherapy or a combination of the two.  The choice of treatment depends on the pattern, severity, persistence of depressive symptoms and the history of the illness.  As with many illnesses, early treatment is more effective and helps prevent the likelihood of serious recurrences.  Depression must be treated by a physician or qualified mental health professional.