General Info:

Fluoxetine hydrochloride is an antidepressant drug used medically in the treatment of

• depression,
• obsessive-compulsive disorder,
• bulimia nervosa,
• premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• panic disorder

Fluoxetine is also used (off-label) to treat many other conditions, such as ADHD. Fluoxetine was derived from diphenhydramine, an antihistamine found to inhibit reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Compared to other popular selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), fluoxetine has a strong energizing effect. This makes fluoxetine highly effective in treatment of clinical depression cases where symptoms like depressed mood and lack of energy prevail. Although stimulating, it is also approved for a variety of anxiety disorders, including panic disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder.

Side effects

Common adverse effects include akathisia, rage, and anxiety, which is possibly associated with an interaction of fluoxetine with the pineal gland,[13] in addition to restlessness and insomnia. Weight loss, trembling, weakness, skin rash, anorgasmia, itching, and a decrease in sexual drive, have also been reported. It has been reported to cause subsequent weight gain.

Like other SSRIs, an overdose of fluoxetine or combining it with other antidepressants can lead to serotonin syndrome.