Generic Fluoxetine

Common use

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant which used to treat bulimia nervosa obsessive-compulsive disorder, major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. Fluoxetine restores the balance of serotonin, a natural substance in the brain, which helps to improve mood. Fluoxetine is used in conjunction with another medication at times, called olanzapine, to treat depression caused by bipolar disorder.



Dosage and direction

Take it orally with or without food/milk.

The recommended dose for treating depression in adults is 20-80 mg of Fluoxetine daily.

The recommended dose in children is 10-20 mg daily.

The recommended dose for treating bulimia is 60 mg of Fluoxetine daily. Duration of treatment may be about 52 weeks.

The recommended dose for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in adults and children is 20-60 mg daily.

The recommended dose for treating panic disorder is 10-60 mg daily.

The recommended dose for treating resistant depression is 20-50 mg of Fluoxetine once daily in the evening.

Note: this instruction presented here just for review. It's very necessary to consult with your doctor before using. It help you to get best results.



Precautions

Use with caution if your medical history include kidney disease, liver problems, seizures, diabetes, heart problems, any allergies from taking this medicine. Also you use Fluoxetine with caution in the elderly patients because they may be more sensitive to the effects of Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine should not be used during pregnancy, becoming pregnant or lactating without doctor's advice. Do not use Fluoxetine before breast-feeding without doctor's permission.



Contraindications

Fluoxetine is not allowed in people who are taking monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Also it is contraindicated in patients who are hypersensitive to any components of this medicine.



Possible side effect

They may include all types of an allergic reaction. Also the most possible side effects include:

severe blistering, peeling, and red skin rash;

very stiff muscles, high fever, sweating, fast or uneven heartbeats, tremors, overactive reflexes;

nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, feeling unsteady, loss of coordination;

headache, trouble concentrating, memory problems, weakness, confusion, hallucinations, fainting, seizure, shallow breathing or breathing that stops.

Less serious include:

cold symptoms such as stuffy nose, sneezing, sore throat;

drowsiness, dizziness, feeling nervous;

mild nausea, upset stomach, constipation;

increased appetite, weight changes;

sleep problems;

decreased sex drive, impotence, or difficulty having an orgasm;

dry mouth.

If you experience one of them stop using Fluoxetine and tell your doctor as soon as possible. Also consult with your doctor about any side effect that seems unusual.





Drug interaction

Fluoxetine interact with the following drugs: alprazolam; clozapine; flecainide; haloperidol; seizure medication such as phenytoin or carbamazepine; tryptophan; vinblastine; a blood thinner such as warfarin; almotriptan, frovatriptan, sumatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, or zolmitriptan; or any other antidepressants such as amitriptyline, escitalopram, imipramine, sertraline, and others. Consult to your doctor before taking any medicine for arthritis, pain, fever, or swelling. This includes aspirin and NSAIDs such as ibuprofen, naproxen, diclofenac, indomethacin, piroxicam, nabumetone, etodolac, and others. Taking any of these medications with fluoxetine may cause you to bruise or bleed easily. Also note that interaction between two medications does not always mean that you must stop taking one of them. As usual it affects the the effect of drugs, so consult with your doctor about how it interactions are being managed or should be managed.



Missed dose

If you forgot to take your dose in time, please do it as soon as you remember. But do not take if it is too late or almost time for your next dose. Do not increase your recommended dose. Take your usually dose next day in the same regularly time.



Overdose

Symptoms of Fluoxetine overdose may include vomiting, nausea, fever, rapid or uneven heartbeat, sleepiness, confusion, seizures, fainting, or coma. If you experience one of them or any unusual symptoms call your doctor immediately.



Storage

Store at room temperature between 20-25 C (68-77 F).



Disclaimer

We provide only general information about medications which does not cover all directions, possible drug integrations, or precautions. Information at the site cannot be used for self-treatment and self-diagnosis. Any specific instructions for a particular patient should be agreed with your health care adviser or doctor in charge of the case. We disclaim reliability of this information and mistakes it could contain. We are not responsible for any direct, indirect, special or other indirect damage as a result of any use of the information on this site and also for consequences of self-treatment.

Clinical Verification

Last Clinically Updated: August 15, 2026

Written By

Dr. Elena Vance, PharmD

Clinical Specialist in Neuropharmacology

Fact Checked By

Marcus Thorne, MS

Biomedical Data & FDA Label Verification

Medically Reviewed By

Dr. Arthur Campbell, MD

Board-Certified Psychiatrist (ABPN)