What is fluoxetine for: effects and recommended dose

Fluoxetine is the generic name of the now famous prozac, a antidepressant drug of the family of SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). This new generation of antidepressants has brought with it many studies on their effects and opinions of all kinds, either by part of people who support the use of these psychotropic drugs as detractors who announce the danger of over-medicating the population with they.

In the following Psychology-Online article, we will provide all the information with the intention that you know exactly what is fluoxetine for, its effects and recommended doses.

Index

1. What is fluoxetine?
2. Side effects of fluoxetine
3. Fluoxetine or Prozac: recommended dose
4. Fluoxetine and alcohol
5. Fluoxetine: opinions

As we have commented previously, fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug that acts on the nervous system, causing it to detect more serotonin in our neuronal circuitry. It is usually prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, OCD (

What is fluoxetine for?

As its name indicates, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) block the reuptake of this neurotransmitter, causing our brain to detect increased availability of serotonin. According to the Mayo Clinic, fluoxetine or prozac relieves discomfort and enhances the feeling of tranquility, blocking circular thoughts and generating more hormones in charge of make us feel good psychologically.

The problem with this drug arises when its side effects are studied. While it is true that it helps us to alleviate the symptoms of discomfort, it is not a tool capable of curing a disorder since its objective is not to attack the root of mental illness. If this medicine has been prescribed for us, it is important that we combine it with psychological therapy.

One of the great controversies related to antidepressants is the side effects. These can be classified from most common to strangest and among them we find the following:

Most common side effects

• Anxiety
• Dry mouth
• Acidity
• Dizziness and general confusion
• Loss of appetite and weight
• Sweating excessively
• Memory loss

Stranger and more serious side effects

• Rash and hives
• Fever
• Swelling of the face or lower legs
• Difficulty breathing
• Seizures
• Bleeding
• Irregular heartbeat

Fluoxetine and suicide

Undoubtedly, one of the most striking data in the practice of psychopharmacology today. Suicidal thoughts and tendencies have been observed in a considerable number of children and adolescents when taking fluoxetine. The experts have not reached an agreement on the reason for this situation, however, it has been scientifically proven^[1] that people who take antidepressants to treat psychological problems are more likely to havesuicidal behaviors than those individuals who do not take this medication for treatment.

Before reporting on the doses of this medication, the Psychology-Online team reminds you that you must consult a specialist to recommend an effective therapy that can treat your discomfort psychological. Only he can conclude whether or not you should finally take fluoxetine.

Following the guidelines of a specialist and taking the appropriate doses, fluoxetine can help us treat a mental disorder by calming its symptoms and facilitating the psychotherapeutic integration. Prozac is usually available as 20 mg capsules to be administered orally, depending on the diagnosis and the age of the patient:

• In adults, the starting dose is usually 20 mg a day taken first thing in the morning.
• It is recommended that the maximum dose is 80 mg (4 tablets per day) to avoid adverse effects of fluoxetine.
• In minors, the maximum dose is reduced to 40 mg per day (2 pills).

Is fluoxetine 20 mg useful for weight loss?

Another controversy related to prozac is related to weight loss. One of the side effects of this drug is loss of appetite and its consequent weight loss. This effect might go unnoticed were it not for the fact that many of the people who are prescribed fluoxetine tend to have the low selfsteem and losing weight (even from an adverse effect) makes them feel better. Therefore, people with psychological disorders medicated with antidepressants may end up developing disorders related to eating and self-image.

Some beauty blogs and websites recommend raising the recommended dose to have even less appetite, this trend is dangerous and very little recommended since we must not forget that it is an antidepressant that changes the chemistry of our brain. In conclusion: fluoxetine is not useful for weight loss.

When we go to a psychiatric consultation and they prescribe this type of antidepressant, the doctor warns us that we should not combining fluoxetine with alcohol and other substances.

While it is true that if we are taking any type of antidepressant other than SSRIs such as MAOIs, we should not consume absolutely nothing, slight alcohol consumption has not been shown to interfere with the effects of fluoxetine. When we speak of light consumption, we mean not exceeding two standard drink units (one unit is equivalent to approximately one pint of beer).

This does not mean that there is no negative effect, in fact, drinking alcohol in excess enhances the sedative effect of prozac, to its Once, this drug enhances the de-inhibitory effect of alcohol, so a combination of these two substances in excess can to have quite negative consequences. As always, the key is to find balance and stability, both physically and mentally.

If psychiatrists recommend us not to drink alcohol, they also do so with a greater purpose: alcoholic beverages facilitate the appearance of mood disorders in the long term, therefore, they prevent us from improving our treatment.

Now you know what is fluoxetine for, its effects and recommended doses. If you think you need help to overcome a bad moment or you think you have some type of disorder that needs the help of a antidepressant, consult a specialist for advice and recommend the therapy that best suits your circumstances.

There are many opinions about the use of drugs to improve a person's mood. Such opinions may be based on knowledge, experience, or seeing a loved one take fluoxetine. Many people believe that it is totally unnecessary and dangerous while many others see her as one powerful tool.

While it is true that it has many contraindications due to the havoc that its side effects can cause, prozac should be understood as a push for therapy, not as the solution to all problems and should not be prescribed to just anyone. Before proceeding to medication, it is necessary to assess whether the person really needs it or not before exposing them to a chemical that affects brain function.

This article is merely informative, in Psychology-Online we do not have the power to make a diagnosis or recommend a treatment. We invite you to go to a psychologist to treat your particular case.

If you want to read more articles similar to What is fluoxetine for: effects and recommended dose, we recommend that you enter our category of Addictions.

1. Beasley, C. M., Dornseif, B. E., Bosomworth, J. C., Sayler, M. E., Rampey, A. H., Heiligenstein, J. H.,... & Masica, D. N. (1991). Fluoxetine and suicide: a meta-analysis of controlled trials of treatment for depression. Bmj, 303(6804), 685-692.