Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking fluoxetine as follows:
- Fluoxetine use can also induce extreme dry mouth and constipation. Sucking on a sugar free hard candy can help with symptomatic relief of dry mouth. Proper hydration measures and compliance with daily fluid intake recommendations can help with relief from constipation. If you experience any further bothersome constipation, report it to your physician for a recommendation on laxative/stool softener use. Observing compliance with fiber intake recommendations in the diet can also help with preventing episodes of constipation with the medication.
- Fluoxetine intake carries the risk of lowering the blood pressure. Hypotension, secondary to fluoxetine intake, can lead to episodes of confusion and dizziness. Avoid sudden changes in position, until you are used to the side-effects of fluoxetine intake. Sudden change of positions can make the confusion and dizzy episodes even worse and precipitate accidents and falls. Report any episodes of increased dizziness, syncope, and loss of consciousness while taking fluoxetine. Discuss with your physician regarding all your medications and their risk of causing hypotensive episodes.
- Fluoxetine intake can induce some dizziness and make one drowsy. Starting the medication at a low dose, watching for the response, and gradually changing the dose, to help optimum control of your symptoms, can contribute to controlling/reducing the risk for drowsiness and dizziness due to the medication. If the dizziness becomes bothersome, report it to your physician and other health care personnel, for any change in plan of care to be considered. Stay away from activities, such as, driving and operating heavy machinery, until you are used to the side effects caused by fluoxetine intake.
