What happens if you unnecessarily take Fluoxetine? (3)
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
In this article, we will discuss the effects of Fluoxetine on your mind when you take it without medical need or prescription. We will also discuss the dangers of self-diagnosis and self-medication with Fluoxetine.
What happens if you unnecessarily take Fluoxetine?
Taking Fluoxetine without a clinical need or prescription can lead to potential adverse effects and risks. If an individual without a medical necessity takes Fluoxetine, they may experience side effects that can vary in severity.
Moreover, taking an unnecessary antidepressant can disrupt the body’s natural chemical balance, potentially causing unforeseen complications and contributing to unnecessary drug resistance.
Fluoxetine, a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, is a prescription medication used for treating depression and anxiety (1).
It is important to emphasize that any medication, including Fluoxetine, should only be taken under the guidance and supervision of a qualified healthcare professional. If someone is experiencing symptoms of depression or other conditions that may require treatment, it is crucial to seek medical advice rather than self-medicating.
What is the importance of accurate diagnosis before starting Fluoxetine?
Accurate diagnosis before starting Fluoxetine or any similar medication is crucial for several reasons.
Targeted treatment
Proper diagnosis ensures that the medication is specifically tailored to treat the diagnosed condition. Fluoxetine is primarily used to address conditions like depression and panic disorder. Without a correct diagnosis, the medication might not address the actual site.
Preventing adverse reactions
Accurate diagnosis by a healthcare professional helps in determining the correct dosage and potential side effects. This could minimize the adverse reactions that might occur if Fluoxetine is unnecessary or incorrectly prescribed.
Individualized treatment plan
Each individual’s condition is unique. Accurate diagnosis allows for the development of an individualized treatment plan, which may involve, lifestyle changes, or alternative medications instead of or in conjunction with Fluoxetine.
Seeking guidance from a healthcare professional or a qualified doctor is crucial before initiating any medication, especially one like Fluoxetine, to ensure it is used appropriately and safely.
What are the potential risks associated with unnecessary Fluoxetine use?
The unnecessary use of Fluoxetine can lead to various risks and side effects (2,3):
Adverse reactions: Unnecessary use can cause adverse effects such as nausea, insomnia, dizziness, headache and gastrointestinal disturbances, even in those who don’t need the medication for a diagnosed condition.
Mood changes: Fluoxetine can affect mood regulation, leading to mood swings in individuals who don’t require the medication for mood-related disorders.
Drug interactions and allergies: Using Fluoxetine without a medical need could lead to interactions with other medications an individual might be taking. Allergic reactions can also occur in those sensitive to the drug.
Development of tolerance: Unnecessary use might contribute to the development of tolerance, rendering the medication less effective when needed for a legitimate medical condition.
Long-term effects: Fluoxetine affects brain chemistry by altering serotonin levels. Unnecessary use can affect serotonin levels to such an extent that it may cause a serious condition known as serotonin syndrome characterized by symptoms such as tremors, agitation etc (4).
What to do if you have unnecessarily taken Fluoxetine?
If you have taken Fluoxetine without clinical need or a prescription, it is important to take certain steps:
- Contact a healthcare professional immediately, or reach out to an urgent care centre or emergency services, and inform them about the situation.
- Be transparent about the timing and quantity of the Fluoxatine you took, as well as any other medications or substances you might have ingested. This will help healthcare providers assess the situation and provide appropriate guidance.
- Be aware of any physical or mental changes and report them to the medical professional assisting you.
- Refrain from taking any more Fluoxetine or other medications without proper guidance from a healthcare professional.
Conclusion
In my opinion and the information available, taking Fluoxetine without a genuine need or medical prescription can lead to various adverse outcomes. Seeking professional medical advice and using medications only when prescribed for a diagnosed condition is crucial to avoid potential risks and side effects associated with the unnecessary use of Fluoxetine.
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References
2.-
AHFS® Patient Medication Information Fluoxetinehttps://medlineplus.gov/druginfo/meds/a689006.html
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