Fluoxetine HCl is an antidepressant drug belonging to the class of drugs known as SSRIs. It is used to treat depression, bulimia, panic disorders, and OCD. It takes several weeks to take effect and requires dosage adjustments. It can interact negatively with other medications and has side effects such as anorexia, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and sexual dysfunction. Patients should reduce the dosage gradually under the supervision of a healthcare professional. It is available as a generic and not available over the counter.
Fluoxetine hydrochloride (HCl) is an antidepressant drug that belongs to the class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The development of this drug dates back to the 1970s, with Eli Lilly’s Prozac® being the most popular brand name under which fluoxetine HCl is sold. Unless otherwise specified, a pharmacist will fill a prescription for this drug with the generic version of the drug, rather than a brand-name one, because generics are much less expensive.
This drug is designed to change brain chemistry to help patients with conditions such as depression, bulimia, panic disorders, and OCD. Like other antidepressants, it usually takes several weeks to take effect, and the dosage often needs to be adjusted to meet the patient’s needs. Medical professionals usually ask patients to try an introductory dosage for four weeks, then return for a follow-up visit to see how effective the drug is for the patient and whether or not the dosage needs to be changed. The patient will require periodic visits for psychotherapy and dosage adjustments as needed as long as he remains on the drug.
Some medications can interact negatively with fluoxetine HCl, making it important for patients to disclose all medications they are taking, including nonprescription drugs. The drug can also be dangerous for people with liver failure, and these patients require special monitoring. Side effects associated with the drug include anorexia, anxiety, insomnia, tremors, and sexual dysfunction.
Studies on this drug have suggested that, when patients stop taking it, it is important to reduce the dosage, rather than abruptly stopping the treatment. Patients may experience psychological problems if they abruptly stop taking the drug or if the dosage is adjusted too quickly. Patients can reduce it under the supervision of a healthcare professional who can confirm that the person has been safely weaned off the drug. Those who have difficulty delivering medications may experience problems from stopping suddenly or starting and stopping treatment repeatedly.
Several forms of fluoxetine HCl are available to patients, including extended-release versions that need to be taken less frequently. While originally only available as a brand-name drug, the drug is now available as a generic. The generic formula is pharmacologically identical to the brand-name drug and typically less expensive. Due to concerns about how the drug is used and the need for supervision, this drug is not available over the counter to patients.
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