Futine 20mg Tablets

Fluoxetine is an antidepressant from a group called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is thought to raise the level of serotonin in the brain, which may help ease low mood and anxious or unwanted thoughts.

It is used to treat:

• depression
• obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• bulimia

It is sometimes also used for menopause symptoms.

Take it exactly as your doctor or pharmacist tells you, usually once a day at the same time.

• You can take it with or without food.
• Swallow tablets or capsules whole with water. Dispersible tablets can be swallowed or dissolved in water. Measure liquid with the syringe or spoon provided.
• It can take several weeks to feel the benefit, so keep taking it.
• If you miss a dose, take it when you remember unless the next dose is nearly due. Never take two doses together.
• Do not stop suddenly. Your doctor will lower the dose slowly when it is time to stop.

Common side effects, some of which ease after a couple of weeks, include:

• headache, feeling or being sick
• diarrhoea or constipation
• sleep problems, dizziness or drowsiness
• weight changes
• sexual problems, such as low sex drive
• blurred vision

Get medical help straight away if you have:

• thoughts of harming yourself or very low mood
• unusually high mood (mania)
• fast heartbeat, sweating, shaking, twitching muscles or confusion (possible serotonin syndrome)
• unexplained bruising or bleeding, or blood in your poo
• swelling of the throat or tongue, or trouble breathing

Check with your doctor or pharmacist before taking it if you:

• have had a reaction to fluoxetine or another SSRI
• have diabetes, epilepsy, heart disease or glaucoma
• have a bleeding disorder, especially in the gut
• have ever had mania
• take MAOI antidepressants, blood thinners (such as warfarin or apixaban), NSAIDs (such as aspirin or ibuprofen), metoprolol, tamoxifen, diuretics or buprenorphine

Do not take St John's wort with fluoxetine.

Store as directed on the pack or leaflet, and keep out of the reach of children. Ask your pharmacist if you are unsure.

Mood: get urgent help if you have thoughts of harming yourself, especially when starting treatment or changing the dose.

Alcohol: best avoided, as it can make side effects such as drowsiness worse.

Driving: do not drive, cycle or use machinery if you feel dizzy, drowsy or have blurred vision.

Pregnancy and breastfeeding: fluoxetine may be used in pregnancy if needed, after your doctor discusses risks and benefits. It passes into breast milk, so speak to your doctor if you are breastfeeding.