In the United States, antidepressants are the most commonly prescribed medication. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, approximately 37 million Americans aged over 12 years old will be taking antidepressants by 2020.

Prozac is perhaps the best-known antidepressant. It is one of the most widely prescribed selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) in the United States. The FDA has also approved it for teenagers and children.

This article will explain what fluoxetine is and how it works. We’ll also discuss the dosages for each condition.

What is Fluoxetine?

Fluoxetine, also known as fluoxetine chloride or fluoxetine hydrochloride in its official name, is an antidepressant that can be taken orally. These include:

  • Capsules
  • Delayed release capsules
  • Tablets
  • Solution (also called an SSRI

Prozac is the brand name drug for fluoxetine oral capsules, but generic versions are available.

Generic drugs are usually cheaper than their brand-name counterparts. Generic drugs may not always be available in all strengths or forms, whereas brand-named drugs are more diverse.

The fluoxetine oral capsule is useful in many different ways. It can be combined with other drugs.

For example, fluoxetine and olanzapine can be administered to patients with bipolar disorder or treatment resistant depression who are experiencing depressive episodes.

Fluoxetine has been found to be safe for consumption by humans. Allergic reactions can be severe but are very rare. Get medical attention immediately if you experience any serious side effects.

What is the Fluoxetine Effect?

The fluoxetine oral cap belongs to a drug class called selective serotonin reuptake inhibits (SSRIs), or serotonergic medications.

These antidepressants work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin, a neurotransmitter, is often called the “feel-good” hormone.

Other common SSRIs are:

  • Zoloft
  • Viibryd (Vilazodone)
  • Celexa (Citalopram)
  • Lexapro (Escitalopram)
  • Luvox (Fluvoxamine)
  • Paxil (Paroxetine),

It works in the same way as other SSRIs, increasing the amount of serotonin within your brain. This helps you to feel better, because it maintains your mental balance. It helps with symptoms related to:

  • The following are some of the ways to reduce your risk:
  • OCD
  • Bulimia
  • Panic disorder (PD).

What is the Fluoxetine used for?

Prozac is also known as fluoxetine orally administered capsules.

  • Depression: Includes major depressive disorders (MDD) as well as bipolar disorder.
  • Obsessive compulsive disorder: OCD is a mental condition that leads to repeated unwanted thoughts and sensations, or the urge or need to repeat something (compulsions).
  • Bulimia Nervosa: Bulimia is an eating disorder which can be life-threatening. It is characterized by episodes where binge eating is followed by inappropriate responses (such as self inflicted vomiting, fasting, misuse of laxatives or excessive exercise).
  • What are panic attacks: A panic attack is a sudden episode of intense fear, which triggers severe physical reactions even when there’s no apparent danger. If you have experienced a series of sudden, recurrent panic attacks, and you’ve spent years in fear, you might be suffering from Panic Disorder.

Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder (PMDD) is a less common condition treated with fluoxetine. It is similar to PMS, but more severe.

Fluoxetine is effective in treating all symptoms of PMDD including:

  • Depressed mood
  • Anger or irritation
  • Problems concentrating
  • Loss of interest in past activities
  • Feelings of Moodiness
  • Increased appetite
  • Sleepiness or insomnia
  • Feeling overwhelmed, out of control or powerless

Fluoxetine Tablets

You can use fluoxetine in many different forms and dosages. The drug interaction, dosage and form of fluoxetine you use will depend on:

  • You age
  • The condition being treated
  • What is the severity of the condition?
  • You may also have other medical conditions
  • How you react to the first dose

Below is a table that shows the differences in dosages for four conditions:

Generic

  • Bulimia: Fluoxetine (oral capsule; 10, 20, 40 mg)
  • Depression: fluoxetine (oral delayed-release capsules; 90 mg, 10, 20, 40 mg).
  • OCD : Fluoxetine (10, 20, 40 mg oral delayed-release capsules or 90 mg oral delayed release capsules)
  • Panic Disorder : Fluoxetine (10, 20, 40 mg oral capsules)

Brand Name

  • Bulimia: Prozac (oral capsule; 10, 20, 40 mg)
  • Depression: Prozac (oral capsule; 10, 20, 40 mg)
  • OCD: Prozac (oral capsule; 10, 20, 40 mg)
  • Panic Disorder: Prozac (oral capsule; 10, 20, 40 mg)

Adult dosage

  • Bulimia: 60 mg taken each morning.
  • Depression: Take 20 mg in the morning and then increase to 40 mg (two 20 mg tablets) at a later date.
  • OCD : A dosage range from 20 to 60mg/day but may go as high as 80mg/day.
  • Panic Disorder: 20 mg in the morning and 40 mg at night.

Senior dosage

  • According to the FDA there is an increased risk of side effects for seniors. Therefore, a lower dose or frequency is recommended.

Does Fluoxetine 40mg work better than 20mg?

According to research, there is no benefit in increasing the doses above the calculated effective dose of a drug.

When prescribing fluoxetine to patients, many doctors believe the dosage should be increased if 20mg does not work.

Increasing the dosage of fluoxetine could lead to serotonin (SS) syndrome, however, as it increases the levels of serotonin within the body.

Your doctor may prescribe Fluoxetine in modest doses, which are then gradually increased by your doctor.

Be patient. It may take five weeks or longer to feel the full effects.

If you feel restless and unable to stand or sit still, tell your doctor. In this situation, increasing the dose of fluoxetine may worsen depression or other conditions.

Even if you are feeling well, it is important to continue taking fluoxetine. Do not stop taking the drug without consulting your doctor.

You may experience symptoms of withdrawal if you stop suddenly taking fluoxetine.

  • Changes in mood
  • Irritability
  • Dizziness
  • Anxiety
  • Sweating
  • Headaches
  • Insomnia

When your doctor decides it’s time to stop taking the drug, they may reduce your dose gradually.

How long does it take Fluoxetine to work?

It is not a medication that has an immediate or rapid effect on mood. However, once it reaches a consistent level in the body it can be highly effective.

Many patients notice some improvement right away. However, the majority of people only begin to feel its antidepressant effect after two or three weeks.

The half-life of Fluoxetine is 2-4 days. This means that it stays in your system longer than other antidepressants.

It is easier to stop taking fluoxetine because of its long half-life than other antidepressants that can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop abruptly.

What are the side effects of Fluoxetine?

You can buy Fluoxetine as a brand name or generic drug. Both have many side-effects, including:

  • Nausea
  • Constipation or an upset stomach
  • Headaches
  • Anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Dizziness and drowsiness
  • Nervousness
  • Heart palpitations
  • Weight fluctuations due to loss of appetite or an increase in appetite
  • Cold symptoms (sneezing or nasal congestion)
  • Dry Mouth
  • Impotence or difficulty in having an orgasm is a sign of decreased sex desire
  • Abnormal bleeding

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to seek medical care.