SALT COMPOSITION

Fluoxetine (20mg)

STORAGE

Store at room temperature (10-30°C)

INTRODUCTION

Flufem 20mg Tablet is a type of antidepressant belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) group of medicines. It is widely prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions like panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder.

Flufem 20mg Tablet helps many people to recover from depression by improving their mood and relieving anxiety and tension. It is also used to treat bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder), where it reduces binge-eating and purging (vomiting).

The dose and how often you need it will be decided by your doctor so that you get the right amount to control your symptoms. Your doctor may start you on a lower dose and increase it gradually. Do not change the dose or stop taking it without talking to your doctor, even if you feel well. Doing so may make your condition worse or you may suffer from unpleasant withdrawal symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances, etc).

To get the most benefit, take this medicine regularly at the same time each day. It may take a few weeks before you start feeling better. Let your doctor know if you do not see any improvement even after 4 weeks. Some common side effects of Flufem 20mg Tablet include nausea, indigestion, dry mouth, fatigue, loss of appetite, increased sweating, sinusitis, insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), yawning, and abnormal dreams. Sexual side effects like decreased sexual drive delayed ejaculation, and erectile dysfunction may also be seen. Let your doctor know straight away if you develop any sudden worsening of mood or any thoughts about harming yourself.

Before taking this medicine, you should tell your doctor if you have epilepsy (seizure disorder or fits), diabetes, liver or kidney disease, heart problems, or glaucoma. These may affect your treatment. Pregnant or breastfeeding women should also consult their doctor before taking it. Some other medicines may affect the way it works, especially other antidepressants and medicines called MAO inhibitors. Please tell your doctor about all the medicines you are taking to make sure you are safe.

USES OF FLUFEM TABLET

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder

BENEFITS OF FLUFEM TABLET

In Depression

Flufem 20mg Tablet works by increasing the level of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This improves your mood, relieves anxiety, tension, and helps you sleep better. It has fewer side effects than older antidepressants. It usually takes 4-6 weeks for this medicine to work so you need to keep taking it even if you feel it is not working. Do not stop taking it, even if you feel better unless your doctor advises you to.

SIDE EFFECTS OF FLUFEM TABLET

Most side effects do not require any medical attention and disappear as your body adjusts to the medicine. Consult your doctor if they persist or if you’re worried about them

Common side effects of Flufem

• Erectile dysfunction
• Indigestion
• Influenza like syndrome
• Loss of appetite
• Low sexual desire
• Nausea
• Sore throat
• Sweating
• Tremor
• Weakness
• Yawning
• Abnormal dreams
• Delayed ejaculation
• Dryness in mouth
• Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping)
• Nervousness
• Sleepiness
• Sinus infection

HOW TO USE FLUFEM TABLET

Take this medicine in the dose and duration as advised by your doctor. Swallow it as a whole. Do not chew, crush or break it. Flufem 20mg Tablet may be taken with or without food, but it is better to take it at a fixed time.

HOW FLUFEM TABLET WORKS

Flufem 20mg Tablet is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain. This improves mood and physical symptoms of depression and also relieves symptoms of panic and obsessive disorders.

SAFETY ADVICE

Alcohol

UNSAFE

It is unsafe to consume alcohol with Flufem 20mg Tablet.

Pregnancy

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Flufem 20mg Tablet may be unsafe to use during pregnancy. Although there are limited studies in humans, animal studies have shown harmful effects on the developing baby. Your doctor will weigh the benefits and any potential risks before prescribing it to you. Please consult your doctor.

Breastfeeding

CONSULT YOUR DOCTOR

Flufem 20mg Tablet is probably unsafe to use during breastfeeding. Limited human data suggests that the drug may pass into the breastmilk and harm the baby.

Driving

UNSAFE

Flufem 20mg Tablet may cause side effects which could affect your ability to drive.

Kidney

SAFE IF PRESCRIBED

Flufem 20mg Tablet is probably safe to use in patients with kidney disease. Limited data available suggests that dose adjustment of Flufem 20mg Tablet may not be needed in these patients. Please consult your doctor.

Liver

CAUTION

Flufem 20mg Tablet should be used with caution in patients with liver disease. Dose adjustment of Flufem 20mg Tablet may be needed. Please consult your doctor.

Quick Tips

• Take Flufem 20mg Tablet in the morning since it can keep you awake if taken late at night.
• It may cause anxiety and agitation when you first start taking it.
• It may cause weight loss and decreased appetite.
• Don’t drive or do anything requiring concentration until you know how Flufem 20mg Tablet affects you.
• Talk to your doctor if you notice sudden mood changes or develop suicidal thoughts.
• Inform your doctor if you experience difficulty having an orgasm or have decreased sex drive.
• The addiction/dependence potential of Flufem 20mg Tablet is very less.
• Do not stop taking medication suddenly without doctor consultation as that may lead to agitation, anxiety, and dysphoria.

Fact Box

Chemical Class

Trifluoromethylbenzenes Derivative

Habit Forming

No

Therapeutic Class

NEURO CNS