Overview Introduction Fluoxet 20mg Capsule is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is widely prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions like panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluoxet 20mg Capsule helps many people to recover from depression by improving their mood and relieving anxiety and tension. It is also used to treat bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), where it reduces binge-eating and purging (vomiting). The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, etc). To get the most benefit, take this medicine regularly at the same time each day. It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. Let your doctor know if you do not see any improvement even after 4 weeks. Some common side effects of Fluoxet 20mg Capsule include nausea, indigestion, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite, increased sweating, sinusitis, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), yawning, and abnormal dreams. Sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction may also be seen. Let your doctor know straight away if you develop any sudden worsening of mood or any thoughts about harming yourself. Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder or fits), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma. These may affect your treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially other antidepressants and medicines called MAO inhibitors. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe. Uses of Fluoxet Capsule Depression Panic disorder Obsessive-compulsive disorder Side effects of Fluoxet Capsule Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them Common side effects of Fluoxet Erectile dysfunction Indigestion Influenza like syndrome Loss of appetite Low sexual desire Nausea Sore throat Sweating Tremor Weakness Yawning Abnormal dreams Delayed ejaculation Dryness in mouth Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping) Nervousness Sleepiness Sinus infection How to cope with side effects? The occurrence of side effects varies from person to person. The following are a few ways of dealing with some of the common side effects. However, consult your doctor if these persist. Coping with Erectile dysfunction and Delayed ejaculation Speak to your doctor as they may be able to change your medicine or offer other treatments that might help with the problem. Making healthy lifestyle changes and eating a healthy balanced diet can help. Lose weight if you are overweight. Exercise daily and try to reduce stress and anxiety. Avoid the use of alcohol, cigarettes or recreational drugs such as marijuana which can also affect sexual function. Counselling or psychotherapy can also be helpful. Coping with Indigestion Try taking your medicine with a meal or snack, or shortly after eating. It might help to eat smaller and more frequent meals, and to eat and drink slowly. Avoid foods which can irritate your stomach such as carbonated soft drinks, caffeine, fatty and spicy foods, mints and citrus fruits. Quit smoking and alcohol because they increase the symptoms. Do not eat for 3 or 4 hours before going to bed. Try raising the head of your bed at night or use extra pillows. Ask your doctor or pharmacist about medicines that may help, such as antacids, if your condition does not improve. Coping with Influenza like syndrome Get plenty of rest as exhausting or stressing out yourself could aggravate your condition. You should drink plenty of fluids as it will keep your throat moist and comfortable. Try taking steam inhalation. The moisture can ease your breathing and loosen mucus. You can consider sipping warm water or tea with honey and lemon. This will keep your nose and throat from being too dry. Using an air humidifier may also help. You can also gargle with salt water several times a day. See your doctor if your symptoms last longer than 3 weeks or get worse quickly. Avoid alcohol and do not smoke as they can aggravate your conditions. Coping with Loss of appetite It is important to eat, even if you do not feel like it. You might try switching to smaller meals and frequent snacks. Try eating healthy and nutritious snacks that are high in calories and protein, such as dried fruit and nuts. It is important to drink even if you cannot eat. But, do not fill your stomach with liquid before eating. Eat when you are most hungry. Exercise such as a short walk may also increase your appetite. Talk to your doctor about possible medication or supplements if your condition does not improve. Coping with Nausea You can help yourself by eating small, frequent meals rather than large ones and drinking plenty of fluids. Eat slowly. Avoid fatty, fried, spicy and very sweet foods. Eat cold or slightly warm food if the smell of cooked or cooking food makes you feel sick. Get plenty of fresh air. You could also try chewing ginger or drinking ginger tea. Eat bananas to replace potassium in your blood which can drop if you are sick (vomit). Use oral rehydration salts to replace vitamins and minerals lost through being sick. There are some medicines that can help you stop from feeling sick. Speak to your doctor if your condition does not improve. Coping with Sore throat Try gargling with warm salt water as it can help soothe a scratchy throat and relieve the discomfort. Stay hydrated by drinking plenty of water. Consider lozenges or hard candy. Avoid caffeine and alcohol, as they can dry out your throat and aggravate the symptoms. Also, avoid smoking or smoky places. Warm tea that is sweetened with honey can also soothe your irritated throat. Get plenty of rest and consider using a humidifier if the air in your home is dry. If it does not get better or get worse, talk to your doctor for advice. Coping with Sweating Try wearing loose, light-weighted, and breathable clothing. Use a strong antiperspirant and keep yourself cool with a fan. Changing your shoes and socks often might also help. Try cutting down on coffee, tea, and alcohol as they can increase your body temperature and promote sweating. Avoid spicy foods, this will help you deal with excessive sweating. If this does not help, talk to your doctor about other possible medications. Coping with Tremor These symptoms can be a sign that the dose is too high for you. It may help to change your dose or take your medicine at a different time of the day. There are also exercises that can improve muscle strength, control and coordination. In terms of lifestyle, avoid caffeine (in coffee, tea and chocolate), alcohol, and ask your doctor about other techniques to help you relax and manage stress. Talk to your doctor if this bothers you. Your doctor may be able to prescribe you medicines that can help. Coping with Weakness Make sure you rest and drink plenty of fluids. Eat a well-balanced diet to keep your energy levels up. Do not drink too much alcohol. Do not drive or use tools or machinery until you feel better. Other things that can help include doing some gentle exercise every day, prioritizing and pacing your activities and having a short nap if you need to. If you are still having problems after a week, speak to your doctor, as they may want to change you to a different type of medicine. Coping with Abnormal dreams Try taking your medicine in the morning. If you have to take it more than once a day, speak to your doctor. To help yourself, try to go to bed and get up at the same time each day and reduce naps. Do some light exercise each day to tire yourself. Make sure the room is not too hot or too cold. Relax before bedtime by taking a bath or listening to music. Don't go to bed hungry. Try using earplugs. Meditation, deep breathing and relaxation exercises can also help. Talk to your doctor if you have tried these tips and they have not helped. Coping with Dryness in mouth Keep a drink available that you can sip through the day. Rinse your mouth with warm salted water and chew sugarless gum or hard candy. Try breathing through your nose more often than your mouth. Avoid caffeinated beverages, smoking and alcohol because they can make your condition worse. Use lip balm if your lips are also dry. Try to avoid foods that are acidic (like lemons), spicy, salty or sugary. If this side effect bothers you or does not go away, talk to your doctor about artificial saliva products or other suitable treatments. Coping with Nervousness This often disappears when the condition you are being treated for is managed. You could ask your doctor about changing the dose of your medicine or alternatives if it is affecting your daily life or causing you distress. Psychological treatments may be available. Some things you can do to help yourself include stopping smoking, cutting down the amount of alcohol and caffeine you drink, and doing regular exercise. You should also eat a healthy diet and find out how to get sleep if you are having trouble. Try talking to a friend or family member. Calming breathing exercises and other relaxation techniques may also help. Coping with Sleepiness If the medicine is making you drowsy during the day, stop what you are doing and sit or lie down until you feel better. You can also consider taking a nap. Physical exercises such as walking may be helpful. Do not drink alcohol, as it will make you feel more tired. Avoid driving or operating heavy equipment when you are feeling drowsy. This problem usually goes away as your body gets used to the medicine. However, if it does not, ask your doctor if you can take your medicine at bedtime or whether the dose can be reduced. show more show less How to use Fluoxet Capsule Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Do not chew, crush or break it. Fluoxet 20mg Capsule may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time. How Fluoxet Capsule works Fluoxet 20mg Capsule is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders. Safety Advice Alcohol UNSAFE It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Fluoxet 20mg Capsule. Pregnancy CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR Fluoxet 20mg Capsule may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor. Breastfeeding CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR Fluoxet 20mg Capsule is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby. Driving UNSAFE Fluoxet 20mg Capsule may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive. Kidney SAFE IF PRESCRIBED Fluoxet 20mg Capsule is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Fluoxet 20mg Capsule may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor. Liver CAUTION Fluoxet 20mg Capsule should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Fluoxet 20mg Capsule may be needed. Please consult your doctor.
