Fluoxetine hydrochloride, also known as Prozac and Sarafem, is a generic drug used to treat depression, anxiety, OCD, panic disorder, and PMDD. It is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that can cause side effects such as dry mouth, decreased sex drive, and sleep difficulties. It should be used with caution and not be shared or stopped without a doctor’s guidance.
Fluoxetine hydrochloride is the generic name of drugs known as Prozac® and Sarafem®. Prozac® is a well-known drug for the treatment of depression and has been commonly prescribed. The generic version of the drug has been available since 2001 and doctors often prescribe the generic as it is less expensive.
The drug fluoxetine hydrochloride is not only used to treat depression, although that may be its primary use. Some people take this drug for obsessive-compulsive disorder, anxiety or panic disorder, and social anxiety disorder. The degree to which it may be effective for these conditions often varies between individuals. A new use of the drug, as prescribed in the Sarafem® module, is for the treatment of premenstrual dysmorphic disorder (PMDD). PMDD treatment typically occurs for only part of the month during the time women would experience premenstrual syndrome (PMS).
The main action of fluoxetine hydrochloride is to inhibit the uptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin. It’s called a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). Making this neurotransmitter more available is thought to have a beneficial effect on mood stability.
As with virtually all other SSRIs, and indeed most antidepressants, care should be taken when prescribing this drug. Fluoxetine hydrochloride carries the black box warning that it may cause an increase in suicidal feelings or actions, especially with teenagers and young adults. Any such feelings should be reported to a doctor immediately. Other side effects of Prozac® include dry mouth, decreased sex drive, anorgasmia (inability to achieve orgasm), sleep difficulties such as sleeping too much or too little, anxiety, tremors, and stomach upset. These side effects are experienced by a clinically significant number of people, according to clinical studies, but still, it usually means less than 10% of people taking this drug will experience them.
There are many drugs that should be withheld or used with caution if fluoxetine hydrochloride is prescribed. It is best to do a medication review with your prescriber and/or pharmacist before accepting new prescriptions. Be sure to not only list your prescription medications on that review, but also tell your doctor about any over-the-counter medications, supplements, or herbs you take.
The dosage of fluoxetine is adapted to the individual and can vary. Many people start with a 20mg dose, but can increase it to a higher dose at a later date. Children might start with 20 mg or a 10 mg dose. It takes several weeks for the drug to reach its full effects, and this may make people impatient. It is important to give the drug time to work unless side effects are severe, and not to increase the dosage without a doctor’s advice. Drugs such as Prozac® should never be shared and people should not stop or start fluoxetine without a doctor’s guidance.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
