Who can take fluoxetine
Most adults can take fluoxetine for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and bulimia. Children aged 8 and older, can take it for depression.
If you have diabetes, fluoxetine can make it more difficult to keep your blood sugar stable. Your doctor may recommend that you monitor your blood sugar level more often for the first few weeks of treatment so they can adjust your diabetes treatment if necessary.
Who may not be able to take fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is not suitable for everyone. Check with your doctor before taking it if you:
- have ever had an allergic reaction to fluoxetine or any other medicine
- have a heart problem, as fluoxetine can make your heart beat faster or cause an irregular heartbeat (arrhythmia)
- are trying to become pregnant, are already pregnant or you are breastfeeding
- have glaucoma, fluoxetine can increase the pressure in your eye
- have epilepsy or are having electroconvulsive treatment – fluoxetine may increase the risk of having a seizure