How to take Fluoxetine
March 10th, 2010
When you are prescribed Fluoxetine for the first time it is very important that you follow the directions that your physician has given you. Fluoxetine is a drug that is used for depression and many other mental disorders and is made to attach itself to the neurons on the brain to correct any neurotransmitter problems you may have. Basically in terms you can understand, it helps to change the chemical imbalance that is found in the brain that causes things like depression and panic disorders along with many other mental illnesses.
When you take Fluoxetine for the first time it is going to be a smaller dose that what you will normally take and the reason for this is it has to build up slowly in your system so you do not have any difficulty acclimating to it in your body. After the first few doses your doctor will probably raise the dose by a small amount and document your progress as the weeks go on.
There is no reason to fear this drug but since it does most of its work on the chemical balance of the brain you should take care in the beginning. As with any other drug you should ask your doctor if you miss a dose what he may recommend.
Fluoxetine is usually taken at the same time each day and if you miss a dose there are some doctors that recommend taking it as soon as you remember and others that may suggest you skip it and wait for the next dosage time.
When taking this drug orally it should not be broken or chewed, follow the directions and you will have no problems. You may have to wait about 4 weeks before you feel the full effects of the drug but rest assured you will start feeling better and all of you previous concerns will start disappearing before you know it.
An important note is to never stop taking your medication even if your feeling better because that is exactly what the drug is for, if you’re feeling better it is because of the drug and some people can confuse this with other medications such as pain pills, once they feel better they stop taking it. You will find the results will not be as easy as stopping another medication so keep taking it as prescribed.
If you would like more information about Fluoxetine you can speak with your doctor, and he will give you all of the information you need to know if this is the right drug for you. Living with depression can be difficult but living with the medication can bring back the lifestyle you once had.