Fluoxetine belongs to a class of drugs called serotonin reuptake inhibitors, so its mechanism of action is to increase levels of this neurotransmitter by selectively blocking its reuptake in the neuron membrane. It is administered orally, varying the dosage according to the pathology to be treated. At FastlyHealwe explain the different uses and side effects of fluoxetine .
Table of Contents
Importance of serotonin
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that intervenes in numerous vital processes within the nervous system, also acting as a modulator of norepinephrine and dopamine, related to problems such as anxiety , aggressiveness and fear.
The main functions of serotonin are:
- Inhibition of fear and aggressiveness.
- Appetite modulation, satiety.
- Regulation of body temperature.
- Inhibition of vomiting.
- Modulation of mood, being directly related to depressive processes.
- Participation in the control of cognitive, motor and perceptual activity
- Regulation of hormone secretion, such as growth.
Low levels of this neurotransmitter are associated with depressive, anxious, and aggressive symptoms, sometimes including migraines or intestinal problems. To increase its levels it is important to have regular sleep cycles, practice pleasant activities, physical exercise and relaxation techniques. However, in certain pathologies that present with more severe symptoms, these recommendations may not be sufficient and therefore it is necessary to resort to medication with serotonin reuptake inhibitors such as fluoxetine.
Uses of fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is a drug that increases the levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin, this being beneficial for the treatment of the following pathologies:
- Episodes of severe depression.
- Obsessive compulsive disorder, consisting of a series of disturbing thoughts that drive the person suffering from it to repeat some acts several times.
- Bulimia nervosa, which should be complemented with psychotherapy.
- Panic attacks or phobias, causing patients a feeling of extreme terror and worry.
- Moderate depressive episodes, if psychological therapy has not been effective after six sessions.
- Premenstrual Dysphoric Disorder, including sudden mood swings, irritability, swelling, and increased breast tenderness.
Side effects of fluoxetine
The side effects of fluoxetine are rare and are directly related to increased serotonin levels.
- Decreased appetite, causing weight loss.
- Sleep disorders or insomnia.
- Nervousness, restlessness, anxiety.
- Decreased libido .
- Alteration of attention.
- Vomiting
- Dry mouth
- Skin rash, hives, or itching
- Erectile dysfunction or ejaculation disorder
- Increased frequency in urine
Remember that you will only be able to carry out a treatment with fluoxetine if it has been your specialist doctor who has diagnosed your pathology and has given you an adequate prescription including duration and form of administration of the treatment.
This article is merely informative, at FastlyHeal .com we do not have the power to prescribe medical treatments or make any type of diagnosis. We invite you to see a doctor in the case of presenting any type of condition or discomfort.
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I am a Surgeon with a diploma in comprehensive ultrasound and surgical care residency, an area I am specializing in. During the exercise of my profession, I have realized the need for patients to know the diseases they suffer, and I can tell you that a large part of their complications is due to a lack of information. Being a health web writer allows me to transmit my experience, without borders, to all those readers eager for knowledge, educate them in the prevention of diseases and promote a healthy lifestyle.