Fluoxetine capsules, weekly [Depression/Mood Disorders]
Fluoxetine capsules, weekly [Depression/Mood Disorders]
What is this medicine?
FLUOXETINE (floo OX e teen) belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The weekly capsules can treat mood problems such as depression.
How should I use this medicine?
Take this medicine by mouth with a glass of water. Follow the directions on the prescription label. Do not cut, crush, or chew this medicine. You can take this medicine with or without food. Take it on the same day of the week each week. Do not take your medicine more often than directed. Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly except upon the advice of your doctor. Stopping this medicine too quickly may cause serious side effects or your condition may worsen.
A special MedGuide will be given to you by the pharmacist with each prescription and refill. Be sure to read this information carefully each time.
Talk to your pediatrician regarding the use of this medicine in children. Special care may be needed.
What side effects may I notice from receiving this medicine?
Side effects that you should report to your doctor or health care professional as soon as possible:
allergic reactions like skin rash, itching or hives, swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
anxious
black, tarry stools
breathing problems
changes in vision
confusion
elevated mood, decreased need for sleep, racing thoughts, impulsive behavior
eye pain
fast, irregular heartbeat
feeling faint or lightheaded, falls
feeling agitated, angry, or irritable
hallucination, loss of contact with reality
loss of balance or coordination
loss of memory
painful or prolonged erections
restlessness, pacing, inability to keep still
seizures
stiff muscles
suicidal thoughts or other mood changes
trouble sleeping
unusual bleeding or bruising
unusually weak or tired
vomiting
Side effects that usually do not require medical attention (report to your doctor or health care professional if they continue or are bothersome):
change in appetite or weight
change in sex drive or performance
diarrhea
dry mouth
headache
increased sweating
indigestion, nausea
tremors
What may interact with this medicine?
Do not take this medicine with any of the following medications:
other medicines containing fluoxetine, like Sarafem or Symbyax
cisapride
dronedarone
linezolid
MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
methylene blue (injected into a vein)
pimozide
thioridazine
This medicine may also interact with the following medications:
alcohol
amphetamines
aspirin and aspirin-like medicines
carbamazepine
certain medicines for depression, anxiety, or psychotic disturbances
certain medicines for migraine headaches like almotriptan, eletriptan, frovatriptan, naratriptan, rizatriptan, sumatriptan, zolmitriptan
digoxin
diuretics
fentanyl
flecainide
furazolidone
isoniazid
lithium
medicines for sleep
medicines that treat or prevent blood clots like warfarin, enoxaparin, and dalteparin
NSAIDs, medicines for pain and inflammation, like ibuprofen or naproxen
other medicines that prolong the QT interval (an abnormal heart rhythm)
phenytoin
procarbazine
propafenone
rasagiline
ritonavir
supplements like St. John's wort, kava kava, valerian
tramadol
tryptophan
vinblastine
What if I miss a dose?
Try not to miss your scheduled weekly dose. You may want to mark a calendar to remind you. If you miss a dose, and it is still the day you normally take your medicine each week, then take it as soon as you can. If it is another day, then take the dose as soon as you remember and then adjust your weekly doses to the new day of the week. Do not take double or extra doses. There should be one week between each dose.
Where should I keep my medicine?
Keep out of the reach of children.
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F). Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date.
What should I tell my health care provider before I take this medicine?
They need to know if you have any of these conditions:
bipolar disorder or a family history of bipolar disorder
bleeding disorders
glaucoma
heart disease
liver disease
low levels of sodium in the blood
seizures
suicidal thoughts, plans, or attempt; a previous suicide attempt by you or a family member
take MAOIs like Carbex, Eldepryl, Marplan, Nardil, and Parnate
take medicines that treat or prevent blood clots
thyroid disease
an unusual or allergic reaction to fluoxetine, other medicines, foods, dyes, or preservatives
pregnant or trying to get pregnant
breast-feeding
What should I watch for while using this medicine?
Tell your doctor if your symptoms do not get better or if they get worse. Visit your doctor or health care professional for regular checks on your progress. Because it may take several weeks to see the full effects of this medicine, it is important to continue your treatment as prescribed by your doctor.
Patients and their families should watch out for new or worsening thoughts of suicide or depression. Also watch out for sudden changes in feelings such as feeling anxious, agitated, panicky, irritable, hostile, aggressive, impulsive, severely restless, overly excited and hyperactive, or not being able to sleep. If this happens, especially at the beginning of treatment or after a change in dose, call your health care professional.
You may get drowsy or dizzy. Do not drive, use machinery, or do anything that needs mental alertness until you know how this medicine affects you. Do not stand or sit up quickly, especially if you are an older patient. This reduces the risk of dizzy or fainting spells. Alcohol may interfere with the effect of this medicine. Avoid alcoholic drinks.
Your mouth may get dry. Chewing sugarless gum or sucking hard candy, and drinking plenty of water may help. Contact your doctor if the problem does not go away or is severe.
This medicine may affect blood sugar levels. If you have diabetes, check with your doctor or health care professional before you change your diet or the dose of your diabetic medicine.
Updated:  
August 11, 2019