subject: All You Need To Understand About A Weight Gain Medication [print this page] Fluoxetine became one of the most widely prescribed antidepressant, used in the treatment of depression and other psychological disorders like panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Like many other antidepressants, Fluoxetine has proven to cause weight gain. However, only 1 to 10 percent of the sufferers experience increased appetite and weight gain, according to "Drug Information Handbook".
The origin of this drug can be traced back in the mid 1970s, with Eli Lilly's Prozac being the leading institution under which Fluoxetine Hcl is marketed and distributed from. Because of the relative higher prices of branded Fluoxetine Hcl, cheaper generic versions of the drug have become well-known in pharmacies.
How Fluoxetine causes weight gain:
Fluoxetine belongs to the class of SSRI's (Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor), which works by altering the neurotransmitter, serotonin. It's proven to improve a person's mood and well-being, which in turn results in improved appetite and willingness to socialize so leading to better food consumption. A greater food intake will instantly lead to weight gain.
Doctor's prescription
The doctor would ideally direct the sufferers to take a first trial dosage for four weeks and schedules a later appointment with the patient to examine the viability of the medicine to the patient. This may after that determine if the Fluoxetine Hcl dosage ought to be changed. This therapy requires further visits by the patients for psychotherapy and adjustments of the dosage to keep it at par with the the body's response to the drug.
Essential Points to Note about Fluoxetine Hcl
When starting Fluoxetine treatment it is usually crucial to show info to the medical doctor about other medicines you're presently under, including the non-prescription drugs. This information is essential simply because particular types of medications can behave violently to the body when combined with Fluoxetine Hcl.
Fluoxetine Hcl use can even be harmful to patients experiencing liver disorders. Such individuals require continuous specialized screening while under medication. Further, medical research highly suggests that stopping the Fluoxetine Hcl medication should be a gradual process instead of a sudden one. Moreover, alterations of the dosage should be undertaken steadily. These slow processes are done to protect the patient from any possible psychological problems.
Summary:
While Fluoxetine weight gain is reported by very less number of the user, it's real. Many people gain more weight while using this drug and several do not. If weight gain is an issue, then it ought to be referred to the physician who may make alterations in the lifestyle or make them shift to another antidepressant medication.
