Dr. Bharat MBBS , General Physician

Fluoxet is the brand name for fluoxetine. It belongs to a class of drug known as an antidepressant (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors). It is available in the form of tablet, capsule, syrup, and suspension. Fluoxet is used for the management of depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (recurring disturbing thoughts with a compulsion to repeat some act), panic disorder (sudden bouts of extreme fear), and premenstrual dysphoric syndrome (irritability, mood swings, bloating and breast tenderness before a menstrual cycle. It is also used to treat depression in people who do not respond to other antidepressant medications such as olanzapine. In addition, it is used to treat depression in people who also show symptoms of bipolar disorder (a manic-depressive disorder in which there are bouts of depression, mania, and abnormal mood) with olanzapine.

Dr. Ramraj Meena MBBS , General Physician

No, Fluoxet is not a controlled substance. It is a prescription drug belongs to the class of medications called antidepressant. A controlled drug is one whose manufacture, use and possession are regulated by the government, eg narcotics. Narcotics are the natural products like opium and its derivatives, heroin, coca leaf and cannabis, synthetic drugs like pethidine and methadone, codeine, morphine. These are also prescription drugs and must be taken cautiously as these can cause an addiction.  

Dr. Kumawat Vijay Kumar MBBS , General Physician

Fluoxet is available in the forms tablet, capsule, suspension, and syrup. It should be taken exactly as recommended by your doctor. It may be taken with or without food because food does not affect the absorption of the drug. It is important to take Fluoxet at the same time every day so that you do not forget to take the dose. Fluoxet may take 4 to 5 weeks to exert its complete effect and it is thus, important to be patient and keep taking Fluoxet.

Dr. B. K. Agrawal MBBS, MD , Cardiology, General Physician, Internal Medicine

Yes, Fluoxet can be given with modafinil. This is because people suffering from major depression also struggle with residual symptoms like persistent fatigue and excessive sleepiness. Modafinil helps overcome these residual symptoms and also improves the overall mood of a patient. Modafinil also helps people to improve their functionality at work. 

Dr. Vinod Verma MBBS , Diabetology

No, it is not recommended that you discontinue taking Fluoxet on your own as this may cause certain withdrawal symptoms like agitation, irritation, mood changes, and difficulty falling or staying asleep. It is, therefore, suggested that you follow the instructions of your doctor completely and remain compliant to the treatment plan.