Fluoxetine is indicated in-
Depressive illness
Bulimia nervosa and anorexia nervosa
Obsessive compulsive disorders
Pre-menstrual syndrome
Side Effects
Gastrointestinal: Nausea, vomiting, dyspepsia, dry mouth, and diarrhoea.
Neurological: Anxiety, nervousness, insomnia/ drowsiness and fatigue.
Others: Excessive sweating, pruritus, skin rashes associated with liver, kidney and lung involvement. It has therefore been advised that Fluoxetine therapy should be discontinued in any patient who develops a skin rash.
Precautions & Warnings
As Fluoxetine undergoes hepatic metabolism and renal excretion, it should be used with caution and in reduced doses in patients with impaired hepatic or renal function. Because of its epileptogenic effect, it should be used with caution in patients with epilepsy or a history of such disorders. Fluoxetine may alter glycaemic control and therefore caution is also warranted in diabetic subjects. Depressed patients with suicidal tendencies should be carefully supervised during treatment. Fluoxetine is not usually considered a suitable form of therapy for the depressive component of bipolar (manic depressive) illness as mania may be precipitated.