Brand Name
Apo-Fluoxetine
Common Name
fluoxetine
In this drug factsheet:
DIN (Drug Identification Number)| 02216353 | APO-FLUOXETINE 10MG CAPSULE |
| 02216361 | APO-FLUOXETINE 20MG CAPSULE |
| 02231328 | APO-FLUOXETINE ORAL SOLUTION |
How does this medication work? What will it do for me?
Fluoxetine belongs to a class of medications called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is used for the treatment of depression and helps to elevate mood. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing the amount of a neurotransmitter, called serotonin, that is available in certain parts of the brain. Although you may start feeling better within a few weeks of treatment, the full effects of the medication may not be evident until several weeks of treatment have passed. Fluoxetine is also used to reduce or eliminate the symptoms of obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) as well as to treat the eating disorder, bulimia nervosa.
Your doctor may have suggested this medication for conditions other than the
ones listed in these drug information articles. If you have not discussed this
with your doctor or are not sure why you are taking this medication, speak to
your doctor. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.
Do not give this medication to anyone else, even if they have the same symptoms
as you do. It can be harmful for people to take this medication if their doctor
has not prescribed it.
How should I use this medication?
The recommended adult dose of fluoxetine ranges from 20 mg to 60 mg taken once daily in the morning, with or without food. The maximum recommended dose of fluoxetine is 80 mg daily. Once your symptoms have been brought under control, the lowest effective dose of fluoxetine as prescribed by your doctor should be used to keep the symptoms from coming back. Your doctor may advise you to keep taking fluoxetine for several months.
Many things can affect the dose of a medication that a person needs, such as
body weight, other medical conditions, and other medications. If your doctor
has recommended a dose different from the ones listed here, do not change
the way that you are taking the medication without consulting your doctor.
It is important that this medication be taken exactly as prescribed by your
doctor. If you miss a dose, skip the missed
dose and continue with your regular dosing schedule. Do not take a double
dose to make up for a missed one.
Store this medication at room temperature, protect it from light and moisture, and keep it out of the reach of children.
Do not dispose of medications in wastewater (e.g. down the sink or in the toilet) or in household garbage. Ask your pharmacist how to dispose of medications that are no longer needed or have expired.
What form(s) does this medication come in?
Capsules
10 mg
Each green/grey, opaque, no.4 capsule, imprinted "APO 10", contains
fluoxetine HCl equivalent to fluoxetine 10 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch,
lactose, stearic acid and talc; capsule shell: FD&C Yellow No. 6, sicomet-85
black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 1, D&C Yellow No. 10; edible black ink (pharmaceutical
glaze, synthetic black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C
Red No. 40 aluminum lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum
lake; may contain: n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol), gelatin,
silicon dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide.
20 mg
Each ivory/green, opaque, no.3 capsule, imprinted "APO 20", contains
fluoxetine HCl equivalent to fluoxetine 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: cornstarch,
lactose, stearic acid and talc; capsule shell: D&C Yellow No. 10, FD&C
Yellow No. 6, FD&C Blue No. 1; edible black ink (pharmaceutical glaze, synthetic
black iron oxide, FD&C Blue No. 2 aluminum lake, FD&C Red No. 40 aluminum
lake, FD&C Blue No. 1 aluminum lake, D&C Yellow No. 10 aluminum lake; may
contain: n-butyl alcohol, propylene glycol, SDA-3A alcohol), gelatin, silicon
dioxide, sodium lauryl sulfate and titanium dioxide.
Syrup
Each 5 mL of clear, colourless syrup solution, with an odour of mint, contains
fluoxetine HCl equivalent to fluoxetine 20 mg. Nonmedicinal ingredients: artificial
freshmint flavour, benzoic acid, glycerin and sucrose.
Some medications may have other generic brands available. Always ask your doctor or pharmacist about the safety of switching between brands of the same medication.
Who should NOT take this medication?
Fluoxetine should not be taken by anyone who:
- is allergic to fluoxetine or any ingredients of the medication
- has taken a medication known as a MAO inhibitor within the past 14 days
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