Type of medicine: selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
Generic and brand names: fluoxetine (premenstrual), oral; Sarafem
This medicine is taken by mouth to treat premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). PMDD is a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (PMS). This medicine may be used for other conditions as determined by your healthcare provider.
Before taking this medicine, tell your healthcare provider if you have ever had:
Do not take pimozide (Orap), MAO inhibitor antidepressants, or thioridazine while taking this medicine or within 14 days of starting or stopping this medicine.
Females of childbearing age: This medicine is not usually given to pregnant women. If you are pregnant, tell your healthcare provider. If you become pregnant, contact your healthcare provider right away. Do not breast-feed while you are taken this medicine.
Read the Medication Guide that comes in the medicine package when you start taking this medicine and each time you get a refill.
Check the label on the medicine for directions about your specific dose. Take this medicine exactly as your healthcare provider prescribes. Usually you take it once a day. Do not take more or less or take it longer than prescribed. Do not stop taking this medicine without your healthcare provider's approval.
You may take this medicine with or without food. Take the medicine at the same time each day to help you remember to take it.
If you miss a dose one day, take it as soon as you remember unless it is almost time for the next scheduled dose. In that case, skip the missed dose and take the next one as directed. Do not take double doses the next day. If you are not sure of what to do if you miss a dose, or if you miss more than one dose, contact your healthcare provider.
If you or anyone else has intentionally taken too much of this medicine, call 911 or go to the emergency room right away. If you pass out, have seizures, weakness or confusion, or have trouble breathing, call 911. If you think that you or anyone else may have taken too much of this medicine, call the poison control center. Do this even if there are no signs of discomfort or poisoning. The poison control center number is 800-222-1222.
Symptoms of an acute overdose may include: nausea, vomiting, fever, drowsiness, fast irregular heartbeat, confusion, fainting, seizures, coma.
Even though you are not taking this medicine for depression, it is a medicine that can be used for depression. Sometimes antidepressants may cause unusual changes in mood or behavior or make you think about harming yourself. Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have any new or sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts or feelings.
This medicine may cause serotonin syndrome, which can be life-threatening. It may be caused by taking this medicine with other medicines. These medicines include other antidepressants, medicines to treat migraines, pain medicines, some cough medicines, St. John’s wort, and others. Make sure that your providers know ALL of the medicines that you take.
Contact your healthcare provider right away if you have:
While taking this medicine, be careful when you exercise, especially when it is hot. This medicine affects your body's ability to cool down, and you may get too hot. If you get too hot, you might vomit, feel dizzy, have a fast heartbeat, get very stiff muscles, or confused. Contact your provider immediately if you have these symptoms.
This medicine may make you dizzy or drowsy. Do not drive or operate machinery unless you are fully alert.
Do not drink alcohol or take any other medicines, including nonprescription products, unless your healthcare provider approves.
Do not give this medicine to others, even if they seem to have similar symptoms.
Occasionally, this medicine may cause some sexual problems. Talk with your healthcare provider about this.
If you need emergency care, surgery, or dental work, tell the healthcare provider or dentist you are taking this medicine.
Diabetics: This medicine may affect your blood sugar level and change the amount of insulin or other diabetes medicines you may need. Talk to your healthcare provider about this.
Along with its needed effects, your medicine may cause some unwanted side effects. Some side effects may be very serious. Some side effects may go away as your body adjusts to the medicine. Tell your healthcare provider if you have any side effects that continue or get worse.
Life-threatening (Report these to your healthcare provider right away. If you cannot reach your healthcare provider right away, get emergency medical care or call 911 for help): Allergic reaction (hives; itching; rash; trouble breathing; tightness in your chest; swelling of your lips, tongue, and throat).
Serious (report these to your healthcare provider right away): Seizures, trouble breathing, depression, thoughts of suicide, severe nervousness or confusion, severe loss of appetite, sudden weight loss, rash, hives, fever, severe headache, ringing in the ears, unusual bruising or bleeding.
Other: Dizziness, drowsiness, increased yawning, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, stomach pain, vomiting, sweating, shaking, trouble sleeping, headache, decreased appetite, sexual problems, nervousness, trouble concentrating.
When you take this medicine with other medicines, it can change the way this or any of the other medicines work. Nonprescription medicines, vitamins, natural remedies, and certain foods may also interact. Using these products together might cause harmful side effects. Talk to your healthcare provider if you are taking:
If you are not sure if your medicines might interact, ask your pharmacist or healthcare provider. Keep a list of all your medicines with you. List all the prescription medicines, nonprescription medicines, supplements, natural remedies, and vitamins that you take. Be sure that you tell all healthcare providers who treat you about all the products you are taking.
Store this medicine at room temperature. Keep the container tightly closed. Protect it from heat, high humidity, and bright light.
This advisory includes selected information only and may not include all side effects of this medicine or interactions with other medicines. Ask your healthcare provider or pharmacist for more information or if you have any questions.
Ask your pharmacist for the best way to dispose of outdated medicine or medicine you have not used. Do not throw medicine in the trash.
Keep all medicines out of the reach of children.
Do not share medicines with other people.
