In this video we will cover everything you need to know about Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac. This video is part of a video series on mental health problems. So for more mental health related videos check out this playlist:
https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLaG3Bo3L0gX6Q9c7x0nRJ9sN_8pR8BB6m

Generic name: Fluoxetine.
Brand names: Prozac, Sarafem, Rapiflux and Selfemra.
Available as capsules and desolving tablets.

How to use it?
Capsules: Swallow the capsule completely with half a glass of water.
Dissolving tablets: Allow the tablet to disintegrate in water. Stir the water and drink it. Afterwards rinse the glass with water and drink that too.

Duration of treatment:
Furthermore if Fluoxetine has no effect within 6-12 weeks, it is probably not effective for you. However if it is effective, you should usually keep using it for 6 months up to several years.

When to use it?
Fluoxetine is part of a group of drugs called Specific Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor (SSRI). It selectively inhibits the serotonin uptake in your brain. Fluoxetine can be used to treat several mental health conditions.
In adults it is used to treat:
- Depression.
- Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD).
- Bulimia nervosa.

In children ≥ 8 years, it can be used to treat:
- Severe depression. This is always done in combination with psychotherapy.

What is the correct dosage?
Unfortunately I can’t provide you with guidelines for the correct dosages, as these differ a lot depending on the specific indication, the side effects you experience and the severity of your complaints. Therefore always use the prescribed dose and frequency your doctor gave you.

However the usual dose most doctors prescribe for an adult will be 20mg a day, which if necessary can be gradually increased over a period of several weeks to months up to a dose of 60mg a day.
In children older than 8 years, the usual starting dose is 10mg a day. This can ultimately be increased to 20mg a day if necessary.

What are the side-effects?
Very common (10%): nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, headache and fatigue.
Often (1-10%); decreased appetite, anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, decreased libido, sleep disorder, abnormal dreams, difficulty concentrating, dizziness, drowsiness, tremor, blurred vision, palpitations, yawning, vomiting, dry mouth, itching, rash, hives, frequent peeing, erectile dysfunction, cold and weight loss.
Uncommon (0.1-1%): suicidal behavior, depersonalization, mood change, abnormal orgasm, memory impairment, tinnitus, difficulty swallowing, low blood pressure, gastrointestinal bleeding, cold sweat, muscle twitching, erectile dysfunction, malaise and changes in your blood values.

Safety:
You should be careful to combine Fluoxetine with alcohol. As this might increase the dazing effect of this drug.
In addition it is usually safe to drive while using Fluoxetine, however it can cause you to become drowsy, sleepy and/or dizzy. If you experiencing any of these side effects then please do not drive.
Furthermore, Fluoxetine can have interactions with several drugs. Therefore always discuss this with your treating physician.

Pregnancy and Lactation:
Fluoxetine can be dangerous in both cases, however there are some exceptions. Therefore always discuss this with your doctor.

- Disclaimer: this video and the comments are meant purely informational! This is not medical advice! If you are looking for medical advice always contact your own doctor. -

I want to give special thanks to my sponsors on Patreon:
- Sebastian Houwing: Investor
- Roel: Supporter

Literature:
1: Farmacotherapeutisch Kompas. (2020). Fluoxetine.
2: Apotheek.nl (2020). Fluoxetine.

* The images in this video are used for educational purposes only. Most of the images and video material in this video come from https://www.canva.com/.

Music:
1. Verified Picasso, Fish Room
2. Patrick Patrikos, Good Times
3: Patrick Patrikios. Rockville

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