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Fluoxetine for weight loss: dosage how to take correctly, how much to drink

, medical expert
Last reviewed: 03.07.2025
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The drug Fluoxetine is initially an antidepressant - a medicine for depression of various origins. But some psychoneuropathologists successfully prescribe it to stabilize eating behavior and "tame" neurotic bulimia - the so-called compulsive overeating. This effect of Fluoxetine is due to one of the background effects of the drug - suppression of hunger and appetite. This property allows you to quite successfully use Fluoxetine for weight loss - if there are certain indications for this, which only a medical specialist can point out.

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Indications fluoxetine for weight loss

Despite the fact that the main indication for taking Fluoxetine is depressive and compulsive-obsessive states, the drug is often used for weight loss, using one of its auxiliary properties - reducing cravings for food. Taking Fluoxetine leads to a decrease in the subcutaneous fat layer, and as a result - to the loss of extra pounds.

In addition, Fluoxetine releases additional energy in the body, which can make exercise more effective.

Medical experts point out that success in using Fluoxetine for weight loss can only be expected if excess weight is caused by prolonged stressful situations, worries and depressive states.

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Release form

Fluoxetine is available as yellowish film-coated tablets.

One blister contains 10 tablets, and the package may contain 1 or 2 blisters and instructions for use of the drug.

Fluoxetine in tablets for weight loss belongs to the group of drugs-serotonin reuptake inhibitors, with the active ingredient of the same name fluoxetine.

The pharmacological category of Fluoxetine is antidepressant.

The drug Fluoxetine Canon is produced in the form of capsules and differs from Fluoxetine only in that it is produced by a different pharmaceutical plant.

A similar drug, Fluoxetine Lannacher, is also produced in capsule form; its main ingredient is fluoxetine hydrochloride.

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Pharmacodynamics

Fluoxetine has all the properties of an antidepressant, which are explained by selective blocking of the reuptake of serotonin in the central nervous system.

It does not affect the functions of beta-adrenergic receptors and does not interfere with the processes of neural uptake of dopamine and norepinephrine.

Leads to a lasting improvement in mood, blocks the development of phobias and fears, eliminates nervous tension.

It tends to stimulate the body's energy potential and relieve pain.

The drug's stable effect is observed approximately 2 weeks after the start of its use and continues for up to 2 weeks after stopping taking the tablets.

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Pharmacokinetics

Fluoxetine is well absorbed in the digestive organs. During the first transit through the liver, relatively weak metabolism is observed.

The presence of food in the stomach does not affect the quality of absorption of the drug, but the rate of absorption may be lower.

The maximum plasma concentration of the active ingredient can be observed after approximately 7 hours. The steady state concentration of the drug is only detected after regular administration for a month.

Plasma protein binding is 94.5%.

Metabolism occurs in the liver, where the active product, norfluoxetine, is formed.

The half-life of the drug is 48-72 hours, and that of its active product is approximately 8 days.

Fluoxetine is excreted through the urinary system (80%) and with feces (15%).

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Dosing and administration

The usual dose of Fluoxetine for weight loss is 20 mg (one tablet or capsule) daily. The standard course of treatment can be 1-3 months. It is better to take the drug in the morning, regardless of food intake.

It is not recommended to increase the dosage of Fluoxetine on your own: it is better to consult a doctor for this. The maximum daily dosage is no more than 80 mg per day (for the elderly - no more than 60 mg per day).

The dosage should be reduced and the drug discontinued gradually to avoid the development of withdrawal syndrome. If the condition worsens or if unpleasant symptoms appear, you should immediately consult a doctor.

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Use fluoxetine for weight loss during pregnancy

Fluoxetine should never be taken during pregnancy, including for weight loss. This drug has a pronounced teratogenic effect, which can cause serious developmental disorders of the embryo.

Before starting to take Fluoxetine for weight loss, a woman should consult a doctor and make sure that she is not pregnant.

Contraindications

You should not take Fluoxetine for weight loss:

  • without a doctor's prescription;
  • in case of hypersensitivity to the ingredients of the tablets;
  • for anorexia and a tendency towards it;
  • during pregnancy and breastfeeding;
  • patients under 18 years of age;
  • in case of severe kidney and/or liver damage;
  • in epileptic cases;
  • for periodically occurring convulsions;
  • with increased intraocular pressure;
  • for prostatitis;
  • in case of bladder weakness;
  • in case of suicidal tendencies, a state of “hopelessness”;
  • while taking MAO inhibitor drugs (Iproniazid, Nialamide, Metralindol, Moclobemide, etc.).

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Side effects fluoxetine for weight loss

Fluoxetine for weight loss can be dangerous, as it has a significant list of side effects. These effects include:

  • allergic reactions;
  • feverish conditions, hyperhidrosis, hot flashes or chills;
  • development of serotonin or neuroleptic syndromes;
  • anorexia;
  • loss of appetite, diarrhea, bouts of nausea;
  • taste disturbances, thirst;
  • headaches, dizziness;
  • sleep disturbances (nightmares, difficulty falling asleep, delusional episodes, etc.);
  • motor coordination disorders, seizures, memory disorders, manic and euphoric states, panic attacks, development of suicidal tendencies, increased nervousness;
  • urinary disorders;
  • a significant decrease in sexual activity up to and including complete loss of sexual desire;
  • decreased blood pressure, tachycardia;
  • loss of visual acuity, mydriasis, reactions to light;
  • pain in joints and muscles;
  • subcutaneous hemorrhages, bleeding from the nose or gums, gastric bleeding;
  • dyspnea;
  • development of withdrawal syndrome.

Overdose

Taking too much Fluoxetine can lead to unpleasant and even dangerous symptoms, such as:

  • attacks of nausea and vomiting;
  • the appearance of convulsions;
  • heart rhythm disturbances;
  • development of a heart attack;
  • breathing problems;
  • a state of nervous overexcitement;
  • coma;
  • manic state.

In case of overdose, it is necessary to immediately induce vomiting in the patient and wash out the stomach, then give a suspension of activated carbon or enterosgel to drink. After providing first aid, you should consult a doctor: symptomatic and general strengthening therapy will be carried out in a medical institution, with constant monitoring of respiratory and cardiac function.

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Interactions with other drugs

Fluoxetine is not used in combination with the following substances and drugs:

  • with tryptophan (enhances serotonergic action);
  • with MAO inhibitor drugs (reactions that are life-threatening to the patient develop);
  • with diazepam, alprazolam and alcoholic beverages (their toxic effect is enhanced);
  • with hypoglycemic drugs (their effect is enhanced);
  • with cyclic antidepressants (their concentration increases);
  • with carbamazepine, desipramine, lithium preparations, haloperidol, diazepam, clozapine (toxic effects of drugs are possible);
  • with warfarin (increases the risk of bleeding);
  • with St. John's wort preparations (increases the risk of side effects).

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Storage conditions

Fluoxetine can be stored in a dark, dry place, at room temperature, with limited access for children. The shelf life of Fluoxetine is no more than 5 years.

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Fluoxetine analogues for weight loss

Drugs with an effect similar to Fluoxetine are:

  • Apo-fluoxetine;
  • Prozac;
  • Profluzak;
  • Prodep;
  • Fluxen.

All drugs in this series are dispensed in pharmacies only upon presentation of a doctor's prescription.

Fluoxetine is not a drug that is used solely to get rid of extra pounds: as we have already written above, it is an antidepressant - a fairly serious medication with a systemic effect on the body. If you care about your own health, then you should not take Fluoxetine for weight loss without a doctor's prescription.

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Fluoxetine Reviews for Weight Loss

According to statistics, approximately 30% of the world's population suffers from excess weight. Some overweight people have come to terms with their weight, while others are trying to get rid of extra pounds by any means necessary. Thus, one of the unconventional ways to lose weight is taking Fluoxetine, an antidepressant drug that is often prescribed for neuroses, fears, and depression. Numerous reviews of Fluoxetine for weight loss prove one thing: each organism is individual, and the same drug can affect people differently.

Fluoxetine for weight loss: reviews of those who have lost weight and results

Fluoxetine is an inexpensive drug, which, however, you can’t just buy in a pharmacy – you need a prescription from a doctor. And this often stops those who want to lose weight with the help of this drug.

Reviews of Fluoxetine for weight loss can be found very different - from positive to extremely negative (like, spent money and time, and in the end - did not lose anything). Indeed, some patients take Fluoxetine to eliminate depression - and at the same time lose weight. And others drink Fluoxetine for weight loss - and do not get the expected effect. How is that possible?

Some people who are losing weight shared their secrets of losing weight with Fluoxetine:

  • It is very important to choose the correct dosage of the drug - too small a dosage may be ineffective, and too high a dosage may result in unpleasant side effects;
  • Fluoxetine intake should be combined with drinking sufficient amounts of fluids;
  • When losing weight with Fluoxetine, you should not drink alcohol.

Negative reviews of Fluoxetine for weight loss are most often associated with the unpleasant side effects of this drug. Such effects often manifest themselves in the form of headaches, thirst, drowsiness, pain in the joints and muscles, decreased sexual desire, nausea and motion sickness.

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Fluoxetine for weight loss: doctors' reviews

Obesity of any degree is a metabolic disorder, and treatment of this condition should be carried out by a doctor. Anyone who wants to lose weight should understand that there is no drug in the world yet, by taking which a person can get rid of extra pounds: without putting in any effort, and without any side effects. Of course, we can talk a lot and for a long time about the fact that pharmacies sell a large number of all kinds of food supplements and herbal remedies, the manufacturers of which promise fast and safe weight loss. However, all these statements are nothing more than advertising. And a qualified practicing doctor will never take responsibility and prescribe such a drug to a patient. In the vast majority of cases, people buy and take such weight loss products on their own.

As for taking Fluoxetine for weight loss, it is no secret that this drug is sold in pharmacies only with a doctor's prescription. Why? Because Fluoxetine is a medication that is not prescribed to everyone, depending on the cause, degree of obesity, taking into account the patient's age, concomitant diseases, and lifestyle.

Fluoxetine for weight loss can help if the cause of excess weight is constant stress eating, neurotic bulimia, compulsive disorders. Under any other circumstances and factors, taking Fluoxetine for weight loss can be not only useless, but also harmful - the drug can provoke the development of the effect of addiction and dose dependence.

Reviews of Fluoxetine for weight loss are quite contradictory, but one important conclusion can be made: you should not take medications on your own - only a medical specialist should prescribe treatment.

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Attention!

To simplify the perception of information, this instruction for use of the drug "Fluoxetine for weight loss: dosage how to take correctly, how much to drink" translated and presented in a special form on the basis of the official instructions for medical use of the drug. Before use read the annotation that came directly to medicines.

Description provided for informational purposes and is not a guide to self-healing. The need for this drug, the purpose of the treatment regimen, methods and dose of the drug is determined solely by the attending physician. Self-medication is dangerous for your health.

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