Fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug and belongs to the class of selective serotonin re−uptake inhibitors (SSRIs). In adults, this medicine is used to treat major depressive episodes, eating disorder (bulimia nervosa) and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD). In children and adolescents aged eight years and above, it is used to treat moderate to severe major depressive disorder.

Somnolence (sleepiness) is a common side effect of Fluoxetine. However, Fluoxetine can also cause other sleep problems like insomnia (inability to sleep) and abnormal dreams. You must talk to your doctor if you experience sleep problems while taking Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine does not cause weight gain, rather it causes weight loss, which is a common side effect seen with its use. Weight loss is usually proportional to baseline body weight. Please consult your doctor if you experience a change in weight while taking Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine can make you feel tired. Fatigue (extreme tiredness) is a very common side effect of Fluoxetine. Please consult your doctor if you experience excessive tiredness while taking it as the dose may need to be changed.

You should take Fluoxetine only for the duration advised by your doctor. You should not stop the medicine without consulting your doctor.

Nausea is a very common side effect of Fluoxetine. Please consult your doctor if you experience excessive nausea while taking Fluoxetine.

Fluoxetine can be taken with paracetamol. However, when taken together paracetamol can increase the antidepressant effect of Fluoxetine. Talk to your doctor before taking the two medicines as there could be other effects of using the two medicines together.

Fluoxetine can be taken with birth control pills. No drug-drug interactions have been reported between the two. However, this does not mean that interactions cannot occur. Please consult your doctor before taking the two medicines together.

No, Fluoxetine is not addictive in nature. No habit-forming potential has been seen with its use. Always follow your doctor's advice regarding the duration of its use.

There have been some reports showing an increased risk of birth defects affecting the heart in babies when the mother took Fluoxetine during the first few months of pregnancy. When taken during the last three months of pregnancy, it may increase the risk of a serious condition in babies, called persistent pulmonary hypertension of the newborn (PPHN). In this condition, the baby breathes faster and appears bluish. These symptoms usually begin during the first 24 hours after the baby is born. So, it is advisable not to use Fluoxetine during pregnancy. If you are pregnant or planning to have a baby, ask your doctor for advice before taking this medicine.