Fluoxetine, by Lilly.

Drug Uses This medicine is used to treat depression, OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder), and bulimia, an eating disorder. Your doctor may have prescribed this medicine to treat other conditions as well.

General Information This information is for educational purposes only. Not every known side effect, adverse effect, or drug interaction is in this database. If you have questions about your medicines, talk to your health care provider.

How it Works This medicine works by restoring the balance of a chemical in the brain (serotonin) by blocking its reuptake into the nerve cells.

How to Take It This medicine should be taken about the same time each day (with the exception of the once weeky product). The best time to take this medicine is in the morning with breakfast. This medicine may take up to 4 weeks to reach full effect, but you may see symptoms of depression improving in 1 to 2 weeks.

Possible Side Effects If you experience sexual problems, talk to your doctor.

Warnings/Precautions Don’t stop taking this medicine until you have consulted with your doctor first. Also, make sure that you know how the medicine affects you before driving or performing other tasks that require your full attention.

Overdose Seek medical attention immediately. For non emergencies, contact your local or regional poison control center.

Drug Interactions Do not take this medicine with thioridizine, or within 5 weeks of taking Prozac. Medicines called MAO inhibitors should not be taken while taking fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you are unsure which drugs are MAO inhibitors. St. John’s Wort should be avoided while taking this medicine due to the additive effects of serotonin.

Missed Dose Take your next dose as soon as you remember. If it is time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage Keep this medication in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed.

Pregnancy/Nursing If you plan on becoming pregnant, talk to your doctor to discuss risks and benefits. This drug is excreted in breast milk. It is advised not to breast feed while on this medication.

More Information For more information, talk to your doctor, pharmacist or health care provider.