- Class
- Antidepressants
- Body system
- Mental health
- Brand names
- Prozac
What is Fluoxetine used for?
- Major depression
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Panic disorder
- Bipolar depression (with olanzapine)
How Fluoxetine works
SSRI with a very long half-life (its active metabolite lasts for weeks).
Common side effects
- Insomnia, nervousness and anxiety
- Nausea
- Headache
- Sexual dysfunction
- Weight changes
Report right away
- Suicidal thoughts or worsening depression
- Signs of serotonin syndrome
- Rash
Nursing considerations for Fluoxetine
- Because of its long half-life, wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting an MAOI (and 14 days after an MAOI before starting fluoxetine).
- It inhibits liver enzymes (CYP2D6) and raises levels of many drugs.
- Assess suicide risk and mood.
Patient teaching
- Take it in the morning: it can be activating and disturb sleep.
- Full benefit can take several weeks.
- Avoid alcohol and ask before using other medicines or supplements.
This card does not list doses. Use the prescriber's order, the product label and a current drug reference for dosing, and follow your facility's policies.
Antidepressants practice questions
NCLEX-style questions on the class Fluoxetine belongs to.
3 questions. Choose an answer to see the rationale.
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A patient started sertraline 10 days ago and says it is not working. What is the best response?
Show answer
Answer B: Full benefit usually takes several weeks; keep taking it as prescribed SSRIs often need 4 to 6 weeks for full effect. Monitor mood and suicide risk during this period.
-
Which finding suggests serotonin syndrome?
Show answer
Answer A: Agitation, hyperthermia, tremor and muscle twitching Serotonin syndrome causes mental status changes, autonomic instability (fever, tachycardia, sweating) and neuromuscular hyperactivity (tremor, clonus).
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A patient taking phenelzine should avoid which food?
Show answer
Answer C: Aged cheddar cheese Phenelzine is an MAOI. Aged cheese is rich in tyramine, which can cause a hypertensive crisis.
Frequently asked questions
What is Fluoxetine used for?
Major depression; Obsessive-compulsive disorder; Bulimia nervosa; Panic disorder.
What drug class is Fluoxetine?
Fluoxetine belongs to the class antidepressants. SSRI with a very long half-life (its active metabolite lasts for weeks).
What are the nursing considerations for Fluoxetine?
Because of its long half-life, wait at least 5 weeks after stopping fluoxetine before starting an MAOI (and 14 days after an MAOI before starting fluoxetine). It inhibits liver enzymes (CYP2D6) and raises levels of many drugs.
What should patients report while taking Fluoxetine?
suicidal thoughts or worsening depression; signs of serotonin syndrome; rash.