FLUOXETINE
(Prozac)Standard Prescription
fluoxetine__mg PO daily
Dosages
Children/Adolescents:
Maximum Dose: 80 mg/24 hrs
Management of (other) SSRI/SNRI discontinuation syndrome:
10-20 mg PO as single dose, >24 hrs after stopping previous SSRI/SNRI
Initial dose: 10 mg PO qAM
Usual dose: 10-60 mg PO qAM
Increment: Dose can be gradually increased by 10 mg increments at weekly intervals.Maximum Dose: 80 mg/24 hrs
Management of (other) SSRI/SNRI discontinuation syndrome:
10-20 mg PO as single dose, >24 hrs after stopping previous SSRI/SNRI
Mechanism of Action
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Forms Supplied
capsule: 10 mg, 20 mg
oral liquid: 20 mg/5 mL (=4 mg/mL)
oral liquid: 20 mg/5 mL (=4 mg/mL)
Comments
Effective in the treatment of depression, generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety disorder, panic disorder. Also used to treat posttraumatic stress disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, pre-menstrual dysphoric disorder, anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa.
Fluoxetine half life is 1-6 days; active metabolite (norfluoxetine) half life is 8-15 days.
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosage range.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Common adverse effects: headache, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, sweating, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
May cause sedation in a minority of patients who may prefer HS administration
Many CYP drug interactions (strong CYP 2D6 inhibitor)
Due to longer half-life following repeated administration, discontinuation syndrome is not noted with fluoxetine. Unlike other SSRIs, tapering of dose is not usually necessary.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
Fluoxetine half life is 1-6 days; active metabolite (norfluoxetine) half life is 8-15 days.
Children metabolize SSRIs more rapidly than adults and may require doses in the higher end of the dosage range.
May take 4 weeks to see therapeutic effects.
Common adverse effects: headache, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth, sweating, tremor and impaired sexual function (adolescents/adults).
May cause sedation in a minority of patients who may prefer HS administration
Many CYP drug interactions (strong CYP 2D6 inhibitor)
Due to longer half-life following repeated administration, discontinuation syndrome is not noted with fluoxetine. Unlike other SSRIs, tapering of dose is not usually necessary.
Prescribers must be aware of warnings issued by Health Canada regarding the use of antidepressants in pediatric patients. Refer to the Health Canada website.
References
4, 44, 83
Last Edited
2021-08-01 23:19:49