Brand name: FLUNIL (Fluoxetine, Prozac)

Generic name: Fluoxetine hydrochloride
Other brand names: Flunil Weekly, Sarafem
Why is Flunil prescribed?

Flunil is prescribed for the treatment of depression--that is, a continuing depression that interferes with daily functioning. The symptoms of major depression often include changes in appetite, sleep habits, and mind/body coordination; decreased sex drive; increased fatigue; feelings of guilt or worthlessness; difficulty concentrating; slowed thinking; and suicidal thoughts.

Flunil is also prescribed to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder. An obsession is a thought that won't go away; a compulsion is an action done over and over to relieve anxiety. The drug is also used in the treatment of bulimia (binge-eating followed by deliberate vomiting). It has also been used to treat other eating disorders and obesity.

In addition, Flunil is used to treat panic disorder, including panic associated with agoraphobia (a severe fear of being in crowds or public places). People with panic disorder usually suffer from panic attacks--feelings of intense fear that develop suddenly, often for no reason. Various symptoms occur during the attacks, including a rapid or pounding heartbeat, chest pain, sweating, trembling, and shortness of breath.

In children and adolescents, Flunil is used to treat major depression and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Flunil Weekly is approved for treating major depression.

Under the brand name Sarafem, the active ingredient in Flunil is also prescribed for the treatment of premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), formerly known as premenstrual syndrome (PMS). Symptoms of PMDD include mood problems such as anxiety, depression, irritability or persistent anger, mood swings, and tension. Physical problems that accompany PMDD include bloating, breast tenderness, headache, and joint and muscle pain. Symptoms typically begin 1 to 2 weeks before a woman's menstrual period and are severe enough to interfere with day-to-day activities and relationships.

Flunil belongs to the class of drugs called selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers believed to govern moods. Ordinarily, it is quickly reabsorbed after its release at the junctures between nerves. Re-uptake inhibitors such as Flunil slow this process, thereby boosting the levels of serotonin available in the brain.
Most important fact about Flunil without prescriptions.

Serious, sometimes fatal, reactions have been known to occur when Flunil is used in combination with other antidepressant drugs known as MAO inhibitors, including Nardil and Parnate; and when Flunil is discontinued and an MAO inhibitor is started. Never take Flunil with one of these drugs or within at least 14 days of discontinuing therapy with one of them; and allow 5 weeks or more between stopping Flunil and starting an MAO inhibitor. Be especially cautious if you have been taking Flunil in high doses or for a long time.

In addition, Flunil should never be combined with thioridazine (Mellaril) due to the risk of life-threatening drug interactions; and a minimum of 5 weeks should be allowed between stopping Flunil and starting Mellaril.

If you are taking any prescription or nonprescription drugs, notify your doctor before taking Flunil.
How should you take Flunil?

Flunil should be taken exactly as prescribed by your doctor.

Flunil usually is taken once or twice a day. To be effective, it should be taken regularly. Make a habit of taking it at the same time you do some other daily activity.

It may be 4 weeks before you feel any relief from your depression, but the drug's effects should last about 9 months after a 3-month treatment regimen. For obsessive-compulsive disorder, the full effect may take 5 weeks to appear.

If you miss a dose FLUNIL (Fluoxetine, Flunil)

Take the forgotten dose as soon as you remember. If several hours have passed, skip the dose. Never try to "catch up" by doubling the dose.

Storage FLUNIL (Fluoxetine, Flunil) instructions...

Store at room temperature.
Flunil side effects

Side effects cannot be anticipated. If any develop or change in intensity, inform your doctor as soon as possible. Only your doctor can determine if it is safe for you to continue taking Flunil.

* Side effects may include:
Abnormal dreams, abnormal ejaculation, abnormal vision, anxiety, diarrhea, diminished sex drive, dizziness, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, flushing, gas, headache, impotence, insomnia, itching, loss of appetite, nausea, nervousness, rash, sex-drive changes, sinusitis, sleepiness, sore throat, sweating, tremors, upset stomach, vomiting, weakness, yawning

Why should Flunil not be prescribed?

If you are sensitive to or have ever had an allergic reaction to Flunil or similar drugs such as Paxil and Zoloft, you should not take Flunil. Make sure that your doctor is aware of any drug reactions that you have experienced.

Do not take Flunil while using an MAO inhibitor (see "Most important fact about Flunil"). You should also not use Flunil if you are taking Mellaril (thioridazine). Likewise, do not start taking Mellaril within 5 weeks of stopping Flunil.
Special warnings about Flunil

In clinical studies, antidepressants increased the risk of suicidal thinking and behavior in children and adolescents with depression and other psychiatric disorders. Anyone considering the use of Flunil or any other antidepressant in a child or adolescent must balance this risk with the clinical need. Flunil is approved for treating major depression in children 8 years and older and for treating obsessive-compulsive disorder in children 7 years and older.

Additionally, the progression of major depression is associated with a worsening of symptoms and/or the emergence of suicidal thinking or behavior in both adults and children, whether or not they are taking antidepressants. Individuals being treated with Flunil and their caregivers should watch for any change in symptoms or any new symptoms that appear suddenly--especially agitation, anxiety, hostility, panic, restlessness, extreme hyperactivity, and suicidal thinking or behavior--and report them to the doctor immediately. Be especially observant at the beginning of treatment or whenever there is a change in dose.

Unless you are directed to do so by your doctor, do not take this medication if you are recovering from a heart attack or if you have liver disease or diabetes.

Flunil may cause you to become drowsy or less alert and may affect your judgment. Therefore, driving or operating dangerous machinery or participating in any hazardous activity that requires full mental alertness is not recommended.

While taking Flunil, you may feel dizzy or light-headed or actually faint when getting up from a lying or sitting position. If getting up slowly doesn't help or if this problem continues, notify your doctor.

If you develop a skin rash or hives while taking Flunil, discontinue use of Flunil and notify your doctor immediately.

Flunil should be used with caution if you have a history of mania or seizures. You should discuss all of your medical conditions with your doctor before taking Flunil.

Flunil can occasionally cause decreased appetite and weight loss, especially in depressed people who are already underweight and in those with bulimia. If you notice changes in your weight or appetite, tell your doctor.

Antidepressants such as Flunil could potentially cause stomach bleeding, especially when combined with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT). Consult your doctor before combining Flunil with NSAIDs or blood-thinning medications.

There have been rare reports of prolonged seizures in people who received electroconvulsive therapy (ECT) while taking Flunil. To date, there are no clinical studies establishing the benefit of combined treatment with Flunil and ECT.
Possible food and drug interactions when taking Flunil

Never take Flunil with MAO inhibitors or thioridazine (Mellaril) (see "Most important fact about Flunil").

Do not drink alcohol while taking Flunil.

If Flunil is taken with certain other drugs, the effects of either could be increased, decreased, or altered. It is especially important to check with your doctor before combining Flunil with the following:
Alprazolam (Xanax)
Any other antidepressants
Carbamazepine (Tegretol)
Clozapine (Clozaril)
Diazepam (Valium)
Digitoxin (Crystodigin)
Drugs that impair brain function, such as sleep aids and narcotic painkillers
Flecainide (Tambocor)
Haloperidol (Haldol)
Lithium (Eskalith)
Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) such as aspirin, ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), and ketoprofen (Orudis KT)
Phenytoin (Dilantin)
Pimozide (Orap)
Sumatriptan (Imitrex)
Tryptophan
Vinblastine (Velban)
Warfarin (Coumadin)
Special information if you are pregnant or breastfeeding

The effects of Flunil during pregnancy have not been adequately studied. If you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant, inform your doctor immediately. This medication appears in breast milk, and breastfeeding is not recommended while you are taking Flunil.
Recommended dosage for Flunil

DEPRESSION
Overdosage

Any medication taken in excess can have serious consequences. An overdose of Flunil can be fatal. In addition, combining Flunil with certain other drugs can cause symptoms of overdose. If you suspect an overdose, seek medical attention immediately.

* Common symptoms of Flunil overdose include:
Nausea, rapid heartbeat, seizures, sleepiness, vomiting

* Other symptoms of Flunil overdose include:
Coma, delirium, fainting, high fever, irregular heartbeat, low blood pressure, mania, rigid muscles, sweating, stupor