Description
Flunil® is manufactured by Intas. Flunil® possesses an active ingredient called Fluoxetine, an antidepressant from the drug class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) (second-generation antidepressants).
Indications:
- major depressive disorder (MDD) or depression (feeling sad, inability to sleep properly or to enjoy life as one used to);
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) (obsessive repetitive actions like hand-washing, counting, checking);
- bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder characterized by binge-eating and purging);
- panic disorder, with or without agoraphobia (excessive and persistent fear of public places or open areas);
- depressive episodes associated with Bipolar I Disorder (only in combination with another medication like Olanzapine);
- off-label treatment of premature ejaculation (PE), (or too early ejaculation within 1 minute after penetration).
MOA (mechanism of action):
Fluoxetine works by slowing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a chemical neurotransmitter, which sends electrical impulses from one neuron to the next. Normally, serotonin is quickly reabsorbed, but Fluoxetine lets the serotonin remain in the synaptic gap between neurons for a longer period of time. This allows the chemical to send additional messages to the receiving neuron, which results in improvement in mood.
Dosage
Swallow a capsule whole with a drink of water.
Flunil® should only be used in children and adolescents aged between 8-18 years for the treatment of moderate to severe depression (alongside psychological therapy).
For depression and OCD: 20 mg once daily dose. The daily dose may be increased later if no clinical improvement is observed.
For bulimia: 20 mg three times daily.
For panic disorder: 10 mg/day. After one week increase the dose to 20 mg/day. The dose may be increased after several weeks if no clinical improvement is observed.
Take Flunil® at the same time each day.
Treatment in children should be held under the doctor's supervision.
Precautions:
Do not stop taking Flunil® after a week or two, feeling it doesn't work.
It can take up to 2 weeks after starting this treatment before positive effect appear, and 4-6 weeks before a patient feels the full benefit.
Be careful while taking Flunil® tablets if you have diabetes, as it may alter your blood glucose levels and your insulin/medication may need adjusting.
When stopping treatment with Flunil®, it is best to decrease the dose gradually over a period of several weeks or months to minimize the withdrawal reactions.
Avoid consuming alcohol while taking Flunil®.
Missing a dose
Flunil® is used only when needed, therefore missed dosages are not relevant. Do not exceed the doctor's recommended dose. Do not take a double dose.
Overdose
If you take an overdose of Flunil®, you should seek emergency medical attention or contact your healthcare provider immediately.
Storage
Store at room temperature between 15 and 30 degrees C (59 and 86 degrees F) and away from excess moisture and heat. Throw away any unused medicine after the expiration date. Keep out of the reach of children.