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Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a medication used to treat depression and other mental or mood disorders. While it can provide significant benefits, it's important to be aware of potential risks and precautions associated with its use. Here is a summary of important safety information:

• Worsening Depression and Suicidal Thoughts: Users under 25 years old may experience worsening depression or suicidal thoughts, particularly when starting the medication or adjusting the dosage. If such symptoms occur, seek medical advice promptly.

• Anxiety and Sleep Disturbances: Some individuals may experience increased anxiety or difficulty sleeping. Consult your healthcare provider if these effects are distressing.

• Serotonin Syndrome: This serious condition can occur if fluoxetine is used with other drugs that increase serotonin. Symptoms include rapid heart rate, sweating, muscle stiffness, fever, and confusion. Immediate medical attention is necessary if these occur.

• Severe Allergic Reactions: Watch for signs like hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing, which require urgent medical care.

• Bipolar Disorder: Fluoxetine should not be used alone for bipolar depression, as it may induce manic episodes. It's prescribed with olanzapine (Zyprexa) for this purpose.

• Bleeding Risk: The medication may increase bleeding risk, especially if combined with blood thinners. Notify your doctor if you notice unusual bleeding or bruising.

• Glaucoma: Fluoxetine can exacerbate angle-closure glaucoma. Regular eye exams and prompt reporting of vision changes are recommended.

• Sodium Levels: The drug might lower blood sodium levels, a condition more common in older adults or those on diuretics. Symptoms like confusion or weakness require immediate medical evaluation.

• Heart Rhythm Issues (QT Prolongation): Fluoxetine can cause serious heart rhythm changes, particularly in those with pre-existing heart conditions or electrolyte imbalances. Symptoms such as chest pain or faintness necessitate emergency care.

Contraindications: Fluoxetine should not be used if you are currently taking or have recently taken MAOIs, linezolid, methylene blue, pimozide, or thioridazine, due to potential severe interactions.

Always discuss your complete medical history and current medications with your healthcare provider before starting fluoxetine to ensure it is safe for you. In case of overdose or severe side effects, seek emergency medical assistance immediately.

When taking this medication, some common side effects might occur, such as difficulty sleeping, nausea, headache, weakness, diarrhea, and a reduced appetite. You could also experience drowsiness, anxiety, nervousness, tremor, dry mouth, throat pain, yawning, and a decreased interest in sex. These are usually mild, but if they persist or worsen, it's advisable to consult with a healthcare provider for reassurance.

In some cases, individuals might encounter additional side effects like abnormal dreams, allergic rash, or flu-like symptoms. Monitoring these effects and discussing them with a healthcare provider can help manage any discomfort they might cause.

There are also rare but serious side effects that require immediate medical attention. These include unusual mental changes such as suicidal thoughts or behaviors, serotonin syndrome characterized by symptoms like a fast heart rate, severe dizziness, muscle twitching, and hallucinations, and seizures. Additionally, severe allergic reactions may occur, presenting as hives, swelling, and difficulty breathing. Abnormal heart rhythms and severe bleeding are also possible, along with symptoms of low sodium levels such as confusion and seizures.

It's noteworthy that this medication can affect blood sugar levels, especially if you have diabetes, so regular monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are key. Always seek urgent medical assistance for any severe reactions to ensure timely care and intervention.

Fluoxetine can remain in your system for several weeks after your last dose, potentially interacting with various other medications. It is important to inform your doctor or pharmacist if you have taken fluoxetine in the past five weeks before starting any new medication. This drug may interact with products that increase the risk of bleeding, such as antiplatelet drugs like Clopidogrel, NSAIDs like Ibuprofen or Naproxen, and blood thinners like Dabigatran and Warfarin.

Combining fluoxetine with MAO inhibitors can lead to a severe and potentially fatal reaction. Therefore, you should avoid taking MAO inhibitors, including isocarboxazid, Linezolid, Metaxalone, and others, during treatment with fluoxetine. Most MAO inhibitors should not be used for two weeks before and at least five weeks after stopping fluoxetine. Consult your doctor for guidance on when to start or stop using these medications.

Fluoxetine may slow the elimination of other drugs from your body, affecting their efficacy. This includes medications like Pimozide, Thioridazine, vinblastine, certain antiarrhythmics, and some tricyclic antidepressants.

Aspirin may increase bleeding risk when taken with fluoxetine. However, if your doctor has directed you to use low-dose aspirin to prevent heart issues, continue taking it unless advised otherwise.

The risk of serotonin syndrome or toxicity rises when fluoxetine is taken with other serotonin-boosting drugs. These include street drugs like MDMA, St. John's Wort, certain antidepressants, and Tryptophan. This risk is higher when starting or increasing the dose of these medications.

Inform your healthcare provider if you are using other products that cause drowsiness, such as alcohol, marijuana, certain antihistamines, sleep or anxiety medications, muscle relaxants, and opioid pain relievers. Check labels on all your medications for ingredients that may cause drowsiness and consult your pharmacist for safe usage.

Additionally, fluoxetine may interfere with certain medical or laboratory tests, possibly leading to false results. Ensure that all healthcare providers involved in your care are aware of your fluoxetine use.