Fluoxetine is primarily used as an antidepressant medication belonging to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is prescribed for:
- Major depressive disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder)
- Panic disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), a severe form of premenstrual syndrome
- It is also used in combination with olanzapine to treat depressive episodes in bipolar I disorder and treatment-resistant depression
Additionally, fluoxetine has been used to treat post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), trichotillomania (hair-pulling disorder), impulsive aggression, and has been explored for other conditions such as obesity and alcohol dependence
. Fluoxetine works by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce symptoms associated with these mental health conditions
. Common side effects include nausea, headache, trouble sleeping, and sexual dysfunction, while serious risks include serotonin syndrome and increased suicidal thoughts in people under 25 years old
. In summary, fluoxetine is widely used to treat depression, anxiety-related disorders, certain eating disorders, and mood symptoms related to premenstrual dysphoric disorder and bipolar disorder
