Fluoxetine (Oral Route)

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Proper Use

Take this medicine only as directed by your doctor, to benefit your condition as much as possible. Do not take more of it, do not take it more often, and do not take it for a longer time than your doctor ordered.

This medicine should come with a Medication Guide. It is very important that you read and understand this information. Be sure to ask your doctor about anything you do not understand.

If this medicine upsets your stomach, it may be taken with food.

If you are taking fluoxetine for depression, it may take 4 weeks or longer before you begin to feel better. Also, you may need to keep taking this medicine for 6 months or longer to stop the depression from returning.

If you are taking fluoxetine for obsessive-compulsive disorder, it may take 5 weeks or longer before you begin to get better. Your doctor should check your progress at regular visits during this time.

If you are taking fluoxetine for bulimia nervosa, you may begin to get better after 1 week. However, it may take 4 weeks or longer before you get better.

If you are using the oral liquid, shake the bottle well before measuring each dose. Use a small measuring cup or a measuring spoon to measure each dose. The teaspoons and tablespoons that are used for serving and eating food do not measure exact amounts.

Use only the brand of this medicine that your doctor prescribed. Different brands may not work the same way.

Dosing

The dose of this medicine will be different for different patients. Follow your doctor's orders or the directions on the label. The following information includes only the average doses of this medicine. If your dose is different, do not change it unless your doctor tells you to do so.

The amount of medicine that you take depends on the strength of the medicine. Also, the number of doses you take each day, the time allowed between doses, and the length of time you take the medicine depend on the medical problem for which you are using the medicine.

• For oral dosage forms (delayed-release capsules, pulvules, or solution):
  • For depression:
    • Adults—At first, 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day. Once your depression is under control, your doctor may wish to change you to a weekly dose. In this case, you will usually take a 90-mg capsule as a single dose one day per week.
    • Children 8 years of age and older—At first, 10 to 20 mg once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed.
    • Children younger than 8 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For depression that occurs with bipolar disorder or treatment resistant depression:
    • Adults—At first, one capsule of 20 mg fluoxetine and 5 mg oral olanzapine once a day in the evening. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 18 mg of oral olanzapine and 75 mg of fluoxetine per day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For bulimia nervosa:
    • Adults—60 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may start with a lower dose and increase it gradually. The dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For obsessive-compulsive disorder:
    • Adults—At first, usually 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg per day.
    • Children 7 years of age and older—At first, 10 mg once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
    • Children younger than 7 years of age—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For panic disorder:
    • Adults—At first, 10 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning or evening for one week. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 60 mg per day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.
  • For premenstrual dysphoric disorder:
    • Adults—At first, usually 20 milligrams (mg) once a day, taken as a single dose in the morning. Your doctor may have you take 20 mg every day of your menstrual cycle or for only 14 days out of your cycle. Your doctor will determine the use and dose that is right for you. Your doctor may increase your dose as needed. However, the dose is usually not more than 80 mg a day.
    • Children—Use and dose must be determined by your doctor.

Missed Dose

If you miss a dose of this medicine, take it as soon as possible. However, if it is almost time for your next dose, skip the missed dose and go back to your regular dosing schedule. Do not double doses.

Storage

Store the medicine in a closed container at room temperature, away from heat, moisture, and direct light. Keep from freezing.

Keep out of the reach of children.

Do not keep outdated medicine or medicine no longer needed.

Ask your healthcare professional how you should dispose of any medicine you do not use.

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