Fluoxetine, often referred to by one of its trade names -Prozac, is an antidepressant which belongs to a class of antidepressants known as SSRIs (selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors).

It is mainly used to treat depression but can also be used in anxiety disorders, obsessive compulsive disorder and bulimia.

How does Fluoxetine work? Fluoxetine works by stopping re-absorption of serotonin in the brain, which keeps the level of serotonin higher. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain that acts as a messenger that affects mood and thinking.

It can take up to 4 weeks of taking Fluoxetine regularly before patients start to feel the benefit.

Usually you should expect to start on a low dose and gradually increase if needed depending on how your symptoms are responding. The dose is usually taken once a day.

Common side effects include nausea, headaches, sleeping difficulties. They are usually worse in the first couple of weeks of starting the medication and tend to subside.

Sometimes Fluoxetine may lead to worsening thoughts of suicide at the beginning of treatment. If you have suicidal thoughts you should contact your doctor or go to hospital straight away.

If you have certain other conditions you will need to let your doctor know before you start fluoxetine. These include: epilepsy, mania or hypomania, heart problems, kidney problems or liver problems, glaucoma, diabetes or a blood disorder that stops your blood from clotting normally.

Avoid drinking alcohol with this medication.

Taking Fluoxetine may be associated with risks in pregnancy. For these reasons it is very important that if you are pregnant or planning to have a baby you should speak to your doctor before starting Fluoxetine. There may be other more suitable medications available for you.

It is always important to remember that stable mental health in mothers-to-be is very important which is why it is always best to speak to a doctor as soon as possible rather than just suddenly stop taking the Fluoxetine tablets. For some pregnant women the benefits they get from taking the Fluoxetine may outweigh the risks.

It is not recommended to breast feed while taking Fluoxetine.