Patient/caregiver was educated on the side effects of using Fluoxetine as follows:
Serotonin syndrome
- Fluoxetine use, especially along with a few other antidepressants, such as, imipramine, citalopram, and sertraline, can significantly increase the serotonin levels in the body and lead to development of serotonin syndrome. Individuals can present with mania, excitement, hallucinations, agitation, insomnia, pounding heartbeat, very rapid heart rate, overactive reflexes, and diarrhea.
Metabolic side-effects
- Fluoxetine can inhibit enzyme systems in the liver that are needed for the metabolism of dietary nutrients and various other medications. Inhibition of these enzymes systems can result in slowing of overall metabolism. Slowed metabolism of medications can result in increased blood levels of these medications for longer periods of time, resulting in increased risk for side-effects and consequent toxicity due to these medications. Discuss with your physician regarding your list of medications, both current and any new, and the possibility of slowed metabolism of any of them secondary to fluoxetine intake, with consequent increased risk for side-effects and toxicity.
- Fluoxetine intake by diabetic individuals can result in poor blood sugar control and episodes of hypoglycemia. Diabetic individuals taking fluoxetine can present with episodes of confusion, extreme hunger, anxiety spells, fatigue, and loss of consciousness. Hypoglycemic episodes in diabetic individuals taking fluoxetine must be reported to the physician for any possible consideration of dose change on anti-diabetic medications.
