Fluoxetine is the generic name of the already famous prozaca antidepressant drug of the SSRI family (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). This new generation of antidepressants has brought with it many studies on its effects and opinions of all kinds, whether by people who support the use of these psychotropic drugs or detractors who announce the danger of overmedicating the population with them.
In the following Psychology-Online article, we will provide all the information so that you know exactly What fluoxetine is for, its effects and recommended doses.
What is fluoxetine?
As we have mentioned previously, fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug that acts on the nervous system, causing it to detect more serotonin in our neuronal circuit. It is often prescribed for the treatment of depression, anxiety, OCD (), and certain personality disorders such as BPD (borderline personality disorder).
What is fluoxetine used for?
As their name indicates, SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) block the reabsorption 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 calm, blocking circular thoughts and generating more hormones responsible for make us feel good psychologically.
The problem with this medication arises when its side effects are studied. Although it is true that it helps us relieve symptoms of discomfort, it is not a tool capable of curing a disorder since its objective is not to attack the root of the mental illness. If we have been prescribed this medication, it is important that we combine it with psychological therapy.
Fluoxetine Side Effects
One of the great controversies related to antidepressants is the side effects. These can be classified from most common to most strange and among them we find the following:
Most common side effects
- Anxiety
- Dry mouth
- Acidity
- Dizziness and general confusion
- Loss of appetite and weight
- Excessive sweating
Stranger and more serious side effects
- Rash and hives
- Fever
- Swelling of the face or lower legs
- Difficulty breathing
- Seizures
- Bleeding
- Irregular heart rhythm
Fluoxetine and suicide
Undoubtedly, one of the most striking data in the practice of current psychopharmacology. It has been observed that a considerable number of children and adolescents experience suicidal thoughts and tendencies when taking fluoxetine. Experts have not reached an agreement on the reason for this situation, however, it has been scientifically proven that people who take antidepressants to treat psychological problems are more likely to have than those individuals who do not take this medication for treatment.
Fluoxetine or Prozac: recommended dosage
Before informing you about the doses of this medication, the Psychology-Online team reminds you that you should consult a specialist to recommend an effective therapy that can treat your psychological discomfort. Only he will be able to 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 psychotherapeutic integration. Typically, Prozac comes in 20 mg capsules that must be administered orally, depending on the diagnosis and age of the patient:
- In adults, the starting dose is usually 20 mg per day taken first thing in the morning.
- It is recommended that the maximum dose be 80 mg (4 pills 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 subsequent weight loss. This effect could go unnoticed if it were not for the fact that many of the people who are prescribed fluoxetine usually have it and the fact of losing weight (even if it is due to an adverse effect) makes them feel better. Consequently, people with psychological disorders medicated with antidepressants may end up developing disorders related to eating and self-image.
Some blogs and beauty websites recommend increasing the recommended dose to have even less appetite. This trend is dangerous and highly discouraged since we must not forget that it is an antidepressant that changes the chemistry of our brain. In conclusion: fluoxetine is not useful for losing weight.
Fluoxetine and alcohol
When we go to a psychiatric consultation and are prescribed this type of antidepressants, the doctor warns us that we should not combine fluoxetine with alcohol and other substances.
While it is true that if we are taking some type of antidepressant other than SSRIs such as MAOIs, we should not consume Absolutely nothing, light consumption of alcohol has not been shown to interfere with the effects of fluoxetine. When we talk about light consumption, we mean not exceeding two standard units of drink (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, in turn, this drug enhances the deinhibitory effect of alcohol, so a combination of these two substances in excess can have quite negative consequences. As always, the key is to find balance and stability, both physically and mentally.
If psychiatrists recommend that we not drink alcohol, they also do so for a greater purpose: alcoholic beverages facilitate the appearance of long-term symptoms, therefore, they prevent us from improving in treatment.
Now you know What fluoxetine is 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 an antidepressant, consult a specialist to advise you and recommend the therapy that best suits your circumstances.
Fluoxetine: opinions
There are many opinions about the use of medications to improve a person’s mood. These opinions may be based on knowledge, experience, or watching a loved one take fluoxetine. Many people believe that it is totally unnecessary and dangerous while many others see her as a powerful tool.
Although 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 the solution to all problems and should not be prescribed to just anyone. Before proceeding with medication, it is necessary to assess whether the person really needs it or not before exposing them to a chemical that affects brain functioning.
This article is merely informative, at 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.
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References
- Beasley, CM, Dornseif, BE, Bosomworth, JC, Sayler, ME, Rampey, AH, Heiligenstein, JH, … & Masica, DN (1991). Fluoxetine and suicide: a meta-analysis of controlled trials of treatment for depression. Bmj, 303(6804), 685-692.