What should I avoid while taking fluoxetine?

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:

  1. Alcohol: Drinking alcohol while taking fluoxetine can increase the risk of side effects such as drowsiness, dizziness, and impaired coordination.
  2. 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.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. 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:

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