Patient/caregiver was educated on precautions to be exercised while taking fluoxetine as follows:
- Fluoxetine intake has the potential to increase the likelihood of seizures. Fluoxetine must be very cautiously administered in individuals with seizure history, compliance with recommended anti-seizure therapy observed, and response closely monitored. Fluoxetine can also induce a life-threatening reaction called neuroleptic malignant syndrome. Individuals taking fluoxetine can present with high fever, episodes of confusion, muscle rigidity, elevated blood pressure, and rapid heart rate. Severe cases can present with muscle breakdown, elevated potassium levels in the blood due to muscle destruction, life-threatening cardiac arrhythmias due to the elevated blood potassium, and seizures. Any of these findings, while taking fluoxetine, should be immediately reported to the physician, for necessary changes to be considered. Also, discuss with your physician regarding your history of seizures, if any, if you are newly started on fluoxetine. If you are newly diagnosed with seizure complaint, discuss with your physician regarding your safety with continuing on fluoxetine, if you have been using fluoxetine for long.
- Fluoxetine carries the risk of causing and/or aggravating cardiac arrhythmias. Fluoxetine can also interact with many antibacterial and antifungal antibiotics, antiarrhythmic medications, antidepressants, and antipsychotic medications, resulting in development or aggravation of underlying cardiac arrhythmias, leading to debility and sudden cardiac death. Avoid taking fluoxetine along with medications belonging to the above-mentioned groups, to prevent any dangerous arrhythmias from developing. Discuss with your physician regarding your history of cardiac arrhythmias, if any, if you are newly started on fluoxetine. If you are newly diagnosed with any cardiac arrhythmias or started on any antiarrhythmic medications, discuss with your physician regarding your safety with continuing on fluoxetine, if you have been using the medication for long.
