Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is a antidepressant (SSRI) found in 1 medicine sold in India, such as Fludac 20. Below: what it is for, how it works, how to take it, side effects, interactions and pregnancy advice.
What it is used for
Treats depression, OCD, panic and bulimia.
How it works
A long-acting SSRI antidepressant for depression, OCD and bulimia.
How to take it
Usually 20 mg once a day in the morning. It stays in the body for weeks, so missed doses matter less.
Common side effects
- Nausea
- Headache
- Trouble sleeping or drowsiness
- Sweating
- Lower sex drive
- Dizziness
- Reduced appetite
Get medical help straight away if
- Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially in the first weeks or in people under 25 (contact a doctor or helpline at once)
- Agitation, fever, shaking and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome)
- Unusual bleeding
Be careful
Takes 2 to 4 weeks to work; do not stop suddenly.
Other medicines and interactions
Do not combine with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, triptans, linezolid and other antidepressants. Bleeding risk higher with NSAIDs, aspirin and blood thinners. Do not stop suddenly; taper with your doctor. It also affects levels of many other medicines.
Pregnancy and breastfeeding
Some SSRIs are continued in pregnancy because untreated depression has risks too; decide with your doctor. Sertraline is often preferred while breastfeeding.
Brands of Fluoxetine (1)
Common questions
What is Fluoxetine used for?
Treats depression, OCD, panic and bulimia.
How does Fluoxetine work?
A long-acting SSRI antidepressant for depression, OCD and bulimia.
How should I take Fluoxetine?
Usually 20 mg once a day in the morning. It stays in the body for weeks, so missed doses matter less.
What are the side effects of Fluoxetine?
Common: Nausea, headache, trouble sleeping or drowsiness, sweating, lower sex drive, dizziness, reduced appetite. Get help straight away for: Thoughts of self-harm or suicide, especially in the first weeks or in people under 25 (contact a doctor or helpline at once), agitation, fever, shaking and fast heartbeat (serotonin syndrome), unusual bleeding.
Does Fluoxetine interact with other medicines?
Do not combine with MAOIs. Serotonin syndrome risk with tramadol, triptans, linezolid and other antidepressants. Bleeding risk higher with NSAIDs, aspirin and blood thinners. Do not stop suddenly; taper with your doctor. It also affects levels of many other medicines.
Is Fluoxetine safe in pregnancy and breastfeeding?
Some SSRIs are continued in pregnancy because untreated depression has risks too; decide with your doctor. Sertraline is often preferred while breastfeeding.
Does Fluoxetine need a prescription in India?
Yes. In India it is a prescription (Schedule H) medicine, so a pharmacist should sell it only with a doctor's prescription.
Which brands contain Fluoxetine?
Fludac 20.
Sources and further reading
- Fluoxetine: NHS · MedlinePlus
NHS (UK National Health Service) and MedlinePlus (US National Library of Medicine) are free, reviewed medicine guides. Brand names and doses there may differ from India.
Last reviewed 31 October 2026. Written by Satya Babu from standard prescribing information.
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