fluoxetine (cont.)
Fluoxetine may increase the effect of warfarin
(Coumadin), leading to excessive
bleeding. Warfarin therapy should be monitored more frequently in patients who
are also taking fluoxetine. Combining SSRIs with
aspirin,
nonsteroidal
anti-inflammatory drugs or other drugs that affect bleeding may increase the
likelihood of upper gastrointestinal bleeding.
PREGNANCY: Use of fluoxetine during the third trimester of
pregnancy may lead
to adverse effects in the newborn.
NURSING MOTHERS: Fluoxetine is excreted in
breast milk. Therefore, taking
fluoxetine while nursing is not recommended.
SIDE EFFECTS: Fluoxetine, as with most antidepressants, can cause
nausea,
headaches, anxiety, insomnia, drowsiness, and
loss of appetite. Fluoxetine has
been implicated in serious skin rashes and vasculitis (inflammation of small
blood vessels). Increased blood pressure can occur, and blood pressure should be
monitored. Seizures have been reported as has sexual dysfunction. Some patients
may experience withdrawal reactions upon stopping fluoxetine. Symptoms of
withdrawal include anxiety, nausea, nervousness, and insomnia. The dose of
fluoxetine should be gradually reduced when therapy is discontinued.
Antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in
short-term studies in children and adolescents with depression and other
psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of fluoxetine or any other
antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk of suicide with
the clinical need. Patients who are started on therapy should be closely
observed for clinical worsening, suicidal thoughts, or unusual changes in
behavior.
Reference: FDA Prescribing Information
Last Editorial Review: 3/4/2008
Report Problems to the Food and Drug Administration
You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit the FDA MedWatch website or call 1-800-FDA-1088.
- citalopram, Celexa - Information about citalopram (Celexa) an antidepressant drug prescribed for depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, PTSD, and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome.
- Anxiety - Read about anxiety (generalized anxiety disorder, GAD) causes, physical symptoms and signs, medications and treatment. Learn about symptoms (worry, fear) and other types of anxiety disorders.
- sertraline, Zoloft - Information on the medication sertraline (Zoloft) a drug used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, social anxiety disorder, and postmenstrual dysphoric disorder. Article includes descriptions, uses, drug interactions, and side effects.
Latest Medical News
Back to Medications Index
Depression RSS