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Fluoxetine Information
is a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) family of
drugs. is used to treat depression,
bulimia (binge-eating and vomiting),
obsessive-compulsive disorder, and others conditions.
Summary of
Interactions with Vitamins, Herbs, and Foods
(for details about the summarized interactions, read the full article)
 May be Beneficial: Depletion or
interference—The medication may deplete or interfere with the absorption or
function of the nutrient. Taking these nutrients may help replenish them. |
Melatonin*
|
| May be Beneficial: Side effect
reduction/prevention—Taking these supplements may help reduce the likelihood and/or
severity of a potential side effect caused by the medication. |
Ginkgo biloba
|
| May be Beneficial: Supportive
interaction—Taking these supplements may support or otherwise help your medication
work better. |
DHEA*
Folic acid*
|
Avoid: Adverse interaction—Avoid these supplements when taking this
medication because taking them together may cause undesirable or dangerous results. |
5-HTP
Alcohol
L-tryptophan
St. John’s wort
|
Check: Other—Before taking any of these supplements or eating any of
these foods with your medication, read this article in full for details. |
Melatonin
|
| Reduced drug
absorption/bioavailability |
None known
|
An asterisk (*) next to an item in the summary indicates that the
interaction is supported only by weak, fragmentary, and/or contradictory scientific
evidence.
Fluoxetine Interactions with Dietary Supplements
Folic
acid
Low blood levels of folic acid have been correlated to poor response to
fluoxetine.1 Furthermore, the addition of folic acid to fluoxetine appears to
enhance the effectiveness of the drug. A double-blind trial found that depressed women receiving 500 mcg of folic acid per
day in addition to fluoxetine experienced significant improvement in their symptoms, as well
as fewer side effects, compared with women receiving only fluoxetine.2 Similar
results were not observed in men; however, men appear to have a higher requirement for folic
acid than do women, so a higher intake may be necessary.
Melatonin
Administration of fluoxetine for six weeks significantly lowered melatonin levels in people
with seasonal affective disorder (SAD) and in
healthy persons as well.3 Further study is needed to determine if this might
interfere with sleeping or whether melatonin supplementation might be appropriate.
L-tryptophan
L-tryptophan is an amino acid found in protein-rich foods. Foods rich in L-tryptophan are not
believed to cause any problems during fluoxetine use. However, dietary supplements of
L-tryptophan taken during fluoxetine treatment have been reported to cause headache, sweating,
dizziness, agitation, restlessness, nausea, vomiting, and other symptoms.4
5-Hydroxytryptophan
(5-HTP)
works by increasing serotonin activity in the brain. 5-HTP is converted to
serotonin in the brain, and taking it with fluoxetine may increase fluoxetine-induced side
effects. Until more is known, 5-HTP should not be taken with any SSRI drug, including
fluoxetine.
DHEA
DHEA supplementation (50 mg per day) has been shown to restore the response of beta-endorphin,
a brain chemical involved in pain and pleasure sensations, to fluoxetine.5 Further
research is needed to determine if this drug combination is safe for long-term use.
Fluoxetine Interactions with Herbs
Ginkgo
biloba
Ginkgo biloba extract (GBE) may reduce the side effects experienced by some persons
taking SSRIs such as fluoxetine or sertraline.
An open-label study with elderly, depressed persons found that 200–240 mg of GBE daily
was effective in alleviating sexual side effects in both men and women taking
SSRIs.6 One case study reported that 180–240 mg of GBE daily reduced genital
anesthesia and sexual side effects secondary to fluoxetine use in a 37-year-old
woman.7
St. John’s
wort (Hypericum perforatum)
There have been no published reports about negative consequences of combining St. John’s
wort and fluoxetine. One case has been reported of an interaction between St. John’s
wort and a weak serotonin reuptake inhibitor drug known as trazodone that is vaguely similar to
fluoxetine.8 In another case, a patient experienced grogginess, lethargy, nausea,
weakness, and fatigue after taking one dose of
paroxetine (Paxil®, another SSRI drug) after ten days of St. John’s wort
use.9 Nevertheless, some doctors are concerned about the possibility of an
interaction between St. John’s wort and fluoxetine causing side effects (e.g., mental
confusion, muscle twitching, sweating, flushing) known collectively as serotonin
syndrome.10 11 Until more is known about interactions and adverse
actions, people taking any SSRI drugs, including fluoxetine, should avoid St. John’s
wort, unless they are being closely monitored by a doctor.
Fluoxetine Interactions with Foods and Other Compounds
Food
may be taken with or without food.12
Alcohol
SSRI drugs, including fluoxetine, may cause dizziness or drowsiness.13 Alcohol may
intensify these actions and increase the risk of accidental injury. Alcohol should be avoided
during fluoxetine therapy. has been reported to decrease the desire to drink
alcohol in a group of alcoholics.14
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Review Date: 4/11/2007
Medication: Fluoxetine -  - I Love It
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 40 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Loss of Sleep
Other Products Taken: occasionally I take clonapin, and nightly I take 50 mg Trazadone to sleep.
Fluoxetine has helped me for a very long time (maybe about 15 years). I
found that after two weeks on it I was less synical and laughed more
easily. Because of my mood, my sex drive was actually better for a
long time. Lately, however, my sex drive is very low. Perhaps
because of the medication, but more likely because of other
stresses. (stillborn daughter, ailing father, eldest son getting ready
to leave the home, etc.) Overall, this medication has made my life
much, much better, and I will continue to take it. Oh, I do have
trouble sleeping at night.
Carol
Pacific Northwest
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|
Review Date: 6/8/2007
Medication: Fluoxetine -  - Very Good
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 year
Strength: 25 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Loss of Sex Drive, Increased Appetite
Other Products Taken: Occasionally 1 mg alprazolam or less.
I've been taking fluoxetine off and on for about 5 years to control
anxiety and panic disorder. It has worked wonders, helping cure
agoraphobia and other side effects of those disorders. I have little
to no physical side effects, perhaps a slight decrease in libido and
the occasional eating binge. It does however limit my range of
emotions. While there are times when I normally would cry, I simply
can't while I'm on fluoxetine. All emotions seem to be leveled off to
where there are very few highs, and fewer lows.
Anonymous
USA
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Review Date: 9/18/2007
Medication: Fluoxetine - - Very Good
Medication Type: Generic
Length Taken: More than 1 month but less than 3 months
Strength: 10 mg X 1 times per day
Side Effects: Sexual Dysfunction
Other Products Taken: None
Fluoxetine has worked great for my anxiety and depression. I think counseling has helped more though, there were factors in my life that made me anxious and depressed. The medication pacified those, the counseling taught me how to work through them.
I was surprised to find out I should stay on the medication for nine months. My doctor said studies show the brain learns the new level of chemcials after taking fluoxetine for that long and after you stop taking it, your brain will maintain those levels.
I've been taking it for two months and now the side effects are getting worse. I bruise extremely easily, feel very hot and sweat easily, and have a lot of trouble reaching orgasm. Recently I developed a rash, and read this may be attributed to the medication as well. It was definitely worth taking when I was in crisis, now I think I've learned to manage the factors in my life better and would like to go off it.
Anonymous
Seattle, WA USA
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Learn more about the authors of Using Medicines
with Vitamins and Herbs
The information presented in Healthnotes is for informational
purposes only. It is based on scientific studies (human, animal, or in vitro),
clinical experience, or traditional usage as cited in each article. The results reported may
not necessarily occur in all individuals. For many of the conditions discussed, treatment with
prescription or over-the-counter medication is also available. Consult your doctor,
practitioner, and/or pharmacist for any health problem and before using any supplements or
before making any changes in prescribed medications. The "reviews" listed for any medical condition, prescription drug, condition or symtpom is provided specifically from eVitamins and is not associated with healthnotes.
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