While taking fluoxetine, there are certain substances and activities that you should avoid or use with caution. Here are some things to keep in mind:
- Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking fluoxetine can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
- Other medications: Fluoxetine can interact with other medications, particularly those that also affect serotonin levels, such as other antidepressants and migraine medications. It’s important to tell your healthcare provider about all medications and supplements you are taking before starting fluoxetine.
- St. John’s Wort: St. John’s Wort is an herbal supplement that can also affect serotonin levels. Taking it in combination with fluoxetine can increase the risk of serotonin syndrome, a potentially life-threatening condition.
- Driving and operating machinery: Fluoxetine can cause drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination, which can affect your ability to drive or operate machinery. Use caution when engaging in activities that require alertness and coordination.
- Grapefruit juice: Grapefruit juice can interfere with the metabolism of fluoxetine, leading to increased levels of the medication in the body. It’s best to avoid grapefruit and grapefruit juice while taking fluoxetine.
It’s important to talk to your healthcare provider about any concerns you have and to follow their instructions for taking fluoxetine. They can provide guidance on how to safely and effectively use the medication.
There are various forms of drugs available, such as tablets or liquids, and each may have a separate patient information leaflet (PIL) for different doses. It is important to refer to the PIL for the specific form and dose of the drug that you have been prescribed.
You can search for further information and PILs on websites such as:
- The British National Formulary (BNF)
- Electronic medicines compendium (emc)
- The National Library of Medicine's DailyMed
- The Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
Different drug forms like tablets or liquids have specific patient information leaflets (PIL) for various doses. Refer to the PIL for your prescribed drug form and dose.
Search for PILs on websites like:
France
- ANSM (Agence nationale de sécurité du médicament et des produits de santé): ansm.sante.fr
Spain
- AEMPS (Agencia Española de Medicamentos y Productos Sanitarios): aemps.gob.es
Germany
- BfArM (Bundesinstitut für Arzneimittel und Medizinprodukte): bfarm.de
Italy
For questions about your medication:
- Consult your doctor, a healthcare professional, or a pharmacist
France
- Contact SOS Médecins: 3624
- For mental health support, contact SOS Suicide: 01 45 39 40 00
Belgium (French)
Switzerland (French)
- La Main Tendue: 143
- Website: 143.ch
Canada (French)
- Centre de prévention du suicide du Québec: 1 866 APPELLE (1 866 277-3553)
- Website: cpsquebec.ca
Spain
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Teléfono de la Esperanza: 717 003 717
Germany
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Telefonseelsorge: 0800 111 0 111 or 0800 111 0 222
Italy
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Telefono Amico: 199 284 284
Netherlands
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact 113 Zelfmoordpreventie: 0800 0113
Portugal
- Contact emergency number: 112
- For mental health support, contact Sos Voz Amiga: 21 354 45 45, 91 280 26 69, or 96 352 46 60