Treat depression effectively with Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan)

Fluox (Fluoxetine / Lovan) 20 mg belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression and helps to elevate mood. Fluoxetine is also used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as to treat the eating disorder, bulimia nervosa.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter, called serotonin, which is available in certain parts of the brain. Although you may start feeling better within a few weeks of treatment, the full effects of the medication may not be evident until several weeks of treatment have passed.

How to take fluoxetine?

Take Fluoxetine at the same time each day. It is best taken in the morning.

Swallow the whole capsule with a glass of water. Do not open or chew.

If you have problems swallowing capsules, let your doctor know as you could be prescribed dispersible tablets which are dissolved in water and then swallowed. 

You can take Fluoxetine with or without food.

Limit or avoid drinking alcohol while you are taking Fluoxetine.

If you forget to take your dose, wait until the next day and take your normal dose then. Do not take double the dose.

Keep taking Fluoxetine every day. It may take 4 to 6 weeks before you experience the full benefits of fluoxetine.

Do not stop taking Fluoxetine suddenly; speak to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before stopping.

Who should NOT take this medication?

Do not take Fluoxetine if you:

- are allergic to Fluoxetine or any ingredients of the medication

- have taken a MAO inhibitor (e.g., phenelzine, tranylcypromine) or thioridazine within the past 14 days

Do not take MAO inhibitors or thioridazine until at least 5 weeks after you stop your treatment with Fluoxetine.

Can I take Prozac with other medicines?

It is important to tell your doctor or pharmacist what medicines you are already taking before you start treatment with this medicine. Similarly, check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking any new medicines while taking this one, to make sure that the combination is safe.

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.