SSRIs affect the chemicals in the brain to prevent imbalances and mood swings. However, it can also trigger possibly severe side effects if taken inappropriately. Below are some precautions you must consider if you have been prescribed Fluoxetine:

Fluoxetine and Pregnancy

Although Fluoxetine is the most widely prescribed antidepressant drug in the United States, its safety in pregnant women has not been conclusively demonstrated. However, a higher incidence of premature delivery, poor neonatal adaptation including respiratory difficulty, short birth length and low birth weight, and admission to special care nurseries, occurred among the infants exposed to Fluoxetine during the third trimester, compared with infants exposed during the first trimester. It is also speculated that taking Fluoxetine during pregnancy cause possibly fatal lung problems in newborn babies. To take care of your health and that of your baby's inform your doctor if are pregnant or suspected to be pregnant prior to taking Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine and Side Effects

Taking Fluoxetine can induce several side effects ranging from mild to severe reactions. It will be wise to monitor your reaction to Fluoxetine intake to determine whether it is indeed the right medication for you. Side effects from taking the drug, regardless whether you are using 100mg of Fluoxetine or higher, may include drowsiness, sleep problems, anxiousness, dizziness, restlessness, nervousness, runny nose, nausea, diarrhea, headache, sore throat, and flu-like symptoms. Sometimes a person may also experience weakness, weight change, dry mouth, appetite change, sweating, impotence, poor sex drive, and difficulty with orgasm.

More serious side effects may include poor balance and coordination, peeling skin rash, seizures, agitation, sweating, confusion, fast heartbeat, muscle stiffness, tremors, shivering, twitching, or unusual thoughts and behavior. If side effects become too bothersome that they disrupt your life, Fluoxetine may not be the right medication for you. Consult your doctor for a change of prescription. Changing to a lower dose may also ease side effects. If you are prescribed to take 180mg of Fluoxetine, ask your doctor if you can switch to a lower dose.

Fluoxetine and Contraindications

As popular as Fluoxetine is, it is not for everybody. If you have been taking MAO inhibitors like pimozide and thioridazine 14 days prior to taking Fluoxetine, it may not be the right medication for you. Possibly fatal reactions may occur if you take Fluoxetine before traces of MAO inhibitors have fully been cleared from your system. Likewise, if you are allergic to Fluoxetine or any of its components, you will do well to consider an alternative medication. Signs of allergic reaction include hives, skin rash, difficulty in breathing, and swelling of the lips, tongue, face, and throat.

Fluoxetine and Lifestyle Changes

Fluoxetine does not work in a vacuum in treating any disorder you might be experiencing. You may need to adjust to some lifestyle changes to make Fluoxetine work for you better. In fact, some lifestyle changes can drastically improve and increase the benefits you get from Fluoxetine. Avoiding smoking and alcohol consumption during treatment, as well as maintaining a well-balanced diet and regular fitness regimen can increase the benefits of Fluoxetine. Due to some side effects you may need to adjust your lifestyle to lessen the discomfort.