Fluoxetine: What It’s Used For, How It Works, And What Precautions To Take Before Using This Antidepressant.

A widely prescribed medication used to treat various mental disorders is part of the family of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). 

It is primarily used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mood disorders by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, a key substance in emotional regulation. This medication should always be used under medical supervision. 

Approved by health authorities worldwide, fluoxetine is indicated for the treatment of conditions such as major depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder ( OCD ), panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Its efficacy in these cases has been supported by decades of clinical use and scientific studies.

Commercially, it is best known under the name Prozac, although it is also available in generic versions or under other brand names such as Sarafem. It comes in capsules, tablets, or liquid solution and is usually administered orally once a day, although the exact dosage varies depending on the condition being treated and the individual patient’s response.

It is not addictive, but requires gradual discontinuation.

Unlike other psychotropic drugs, fluoxetine does not cause physical dependence or addiction, although abruptly stopping treatment can cause unwanted effects. This phenomenon, known as discontinuation syndrome, can include symptoms such as dizziness, anxiety, insomnia, irritability, or mood swings.

Due to its long half-life, the risk of discontinuation with fluoxetine is lower than with other antidepressants, but gradual reduction under medical supervision is still recommended.

Common side effects and warnings

Among the most common adverse effects of this medication are:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Anxiety or nervousness
• Drowsiness or insomnia
• Decreased sexual desire
• Dry mouth

Furthermore, during the first weeks of treatment, especially in young people, there may be an increased risk of suicidal thoughts, so close medical follow-up is essential.

Precautions should also be taken when combining fluoxetine with other drugs, especially monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), as this interaction may lead to serotonin syndrome, a serious medical condition.

What medications also increase serotonin?

In addition to fluoxetine, other treatments increase serotonin levels in the brain. These include:

• SSRIs: such as sertraline, paroxetine, escitalopram, or citalopram.
• SNRIs, such as venlafaxine and duloxetine, are useful if chronic pain or fatigue is also present.
• Buspirone: an anxiolytic that acts on serotonin receptors, without risk of addiction.

Complementary therapies: physical exercise, sun exposure, a diet rich in tryptophan, and supplements such as 5-HTP or magnesium can also help improve mood naturally.