Fluoxetine

If you need help or want to talk to somebody about your mental health, you can get support from any of the following:

• Free call or text 1737 any time for support from a trained counsellor
• Lifeline 0800 543 354 (0800 LIFELINE) or free text 4357 (HELP)
• Suicide Crisis Helpline 0508 828 865 (0508 TAUTOKO)
• Healthline 0800 611 116
• Samaritans 0800 726 666.

In Aotearoa New Zealand fluoxetine is available as capsules (20 mg) or dispersible tablets (20 mg).

• The dose of fluoxetine will be different for different people and depends on the condition being treated.
• Your doctor will usually start you on a low dose and if necessary will increase your dose slowly after a few weeks. This allows your body to get used to the medicine and reduces the chance of side effects.
• Always take your fluoxetine exactly as your doctor has told you. The pharmacy label on your medicine will tell you how much fluoxetine to take, how often to take it, and any special instructions. 

Capsules: Swallow the capsule whole with a glass of water.

Tablets: The tablets can either be swallowed with a glass of water or dissolved in water. To dissolve, place the tablet(s) in about 100mL (½ glass) of water, swirl until it dissolves, then drink immediately.

• Timing: Fluoxetine is best taken in the morning. Take your dose at the same time each day. 
• Food: You can take fluoxetine with or without food but if you think it is upsetting your stomach, try taking it with food. 
• Missed dose: If you forget to take your dose, take it as soon as you remember. But if it is nearly time for your next dose, just take it at the right time. Don't take double the dose.
• Keep taking fluoxetine every day. It may take 4 to 6 weeks before you notice the full benefits of fluoxetine and you should start to feel better after 1 to 2 weeks.  Some people notice side effects in the first few weeks before they start to feel better. Fluoxetine is often needed for at least a few months. Your doctor will discuss with you how long to take it for; this depends on what you are taking it for, and how well it is working.
• If you think fluoxetine is not working for you. Don't stop taking it suddenly; talk to your doctor or nurse before stopping. It is usually best to stop taking fluoxetine very slowly to avoid side effects.

Here are some things to know when you're taking fluoxetine. Other things may be important as well, so ask your healthcare provider what you should know about.

• Limit alcohol intake as it can increase your chance of side effects such as drowsiness and reduced concentration.
• Avoid driving and doing other tasks where you need to be alert until you know how this medicine affects you.
• Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or breastfeeding.
• Fluoxetine can interact with some other medicines (including anticoagulants and anti-inflammatories, eg, ibuprofen), herbal supplements (eg, St John's Wort), and recreational drugs, so check with your doctor or pharmacist before starting fluoxetine and before starting any new products.
• If you have diabetes, you may need to check your blood glucose more often because fluoxetine can affect the levels of glucose in your blood.

Like all medicines, fluoxetine can cause side effects, although not everyone gets them. Often side effects improve as your body gets used to the new medicine.