New Article: Fluoxetine Pharmacology and Practical Prescribing Guide

A new fluoxetine prescribing guide has just been published at the Psychopharmacology Institute. This comprehensive article reviews the pharmacology, indications, dosing, side effects, and special considerations for using fluoxetine.

Key points:

• Fluoxetine potently inhibits the serotonin transporter and acts as a 5HT2C antagonist at higher doses.
• It is FDA-approved for depression, OCD, panic disorder and bulimia. Fluoxetine is also used off-label for repetitive behaviors in ASD.
• It has a long half-life of 2-4 days (norfluoxetine metabolite: 7-14 days).
• Adverse effects include nausea, diarrhea, insomnia, sexual dysfunction, and activation.
• Fluoxetine is excreted at higher levels in breast milk than most SSRIs.

Fluoxetine Practical Guide: Pharmacology, Indications, Dosing Guidelines and Adverse Effects