Fluoxetine Capsule

Fluoxetine Capsules
Usage
Fluoxetine capsules are an oral medication belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat a range of mental health conditions.
They may be prescribed for:
• Major depressive disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Generalised anxiety and panic disorders
• Bulimia nervosa
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
• Other practitioner-directed psychiatric conditions

Dosage
Dosage should be determined by the prescribing practitioner based on the condition, severity, and patient response.
Typical dosing considerations include:
• Usually administered once daily, often in the morning
• Dose may be adjusted gradually based on clinical response
• Capsules may be taken with or without food
• Due to its long half-life, fluoxetine may have less frequent dosing adjustments compared to other SSRIs
Patients should take the medication consistently as prescribed and should not stop abruptly without medical advice.

Mechanisms of Action
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI).
Its mechanisms include:
Inhibition of serotonin reuptake
Fluoxetine blocks the reuptake of serotonin (5-HT) into presynaptic neurons.
Increased serotonin availability
This leads to increased levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft.
Improved mood and emotional regulation
Enhanced serotonergic neurotransmission helps improve mood, anxiety, and compulsive behaviours.

Contraindications
Fluoxetine should not be used in patients with:
• Hypersensitivity to fluoxetine or any component of the formulation
• Concurrent use of monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) or within an appropriate washout period
• Use with certain medications that may cause serious interactions (as determined by the prescriber)

Precautions
Fluoxetine should be used with caution in patients with:
• History of suicidal ideation or behaviour, particularly in younger patients
• Bipolar disorder, due to risk of mania
• Seizure disorders
• Hepatic impairment
• Concurrent use of other serotonergic medications
Additional considerations include:
• Risk of serotonin syndrome, especially when combined with other serotonergic drugs
• May cause insomnia, agitation, gastrointestinal upset, or sexual dysfunction
• Effects may take several weeks to become fully apparent
• Abrupt discontinuation may lead to withdrawal symptoms, although less common due to long half-life
• Patients should seek medical advice if they experience worsening mood, suicidal thoughts, or unusual behavioural changes

Storage
• Store below 25°C unless otherwise directed
• Keep capsules in a tightly closed container
• Protect from heat, moisture, and direct light
• Keep out of reach of children and pets
Patients should follow the storage instructions provided on the dispensing label supplied by the pharmacy.