Flunil 20 (20mg Fluoxetine)

Product Information

Flunil 20 mg Capsule is a type of antidepressant belonging to the SSRI group of medicines. It is widely prescribed to treat depression and other mental health conditions such as panic disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD).

Flunil helps many people recover from depression by improving mood and relieving anxiety and tension. It is also used in the treatment of bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) where it reduces binge eating and purging (vomiting).

Why is this Medication Prescribed?

Doctors prescribe Flunil (Fluoxetine) to:

• Treat depression and improve mood
• Relieve anxiety and panic disorder symptoms
• Manage obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Treat bulimia nervosa by reducing binge eating and purging

Uses

• Depression
• Panic disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Bulimia nervosa (eating disorder)

Benefits

In Depression

• Increases serotonin levels in the brain
• Improves mood, relieves anxiety and tension
• Helps regulate sleep and emotional balance
• Fewer side effects compared to older antidepressants

In Panic Disorder

• Reduces panic attacks
• Helps you feel calmer and better able to manage daily stress

In Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder

• Reduces intrusive thoughts and compulsive behaviors
• Promotes calmness and better control over symptoms

In Bulimia Nervosa

• Helps reduce binge eating and purging behaviors
• Supports healthier eating patterns

How Should this Medicine be Used?

• Take exactly as prescribed by your doctor.
• Usually taken once daily, with or without food.
• Take at the same time every day for best results.
• Your doctor may start you on a low dose and gradually increase it.
• Do not change the dose or stop taking it without medical advice.
• Continue treatment even if you feel well — stopping suddenly may worsen your condition.
• It may take 4–6 weeks to feel the full benefit.
• Inform your doctor if no improvement is seen after 4 weeks.

Other Uses

May also be used off-label for other mental health conditions if prescribed by your doctor.

⚠️ Suicide Risk Warning

Antidepressants, including Flunil (Fluoxetine), may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors, particularly in children, adolescents, and young adults during the first few weeks of treatment or when doses are changed.

• Close monitoring by your doctor and family is essential during early treatment.
• Report any sudden changes in mood, behavior, thoughts of self-harm, or unusual restlessness immediately.
• Do not stop or adjust the dose without your doctor’s advice.

Special Precautions

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding: Consult your doctor before use.
• Medical history: Inform your doctor if you have:
  • Epilepsy or seizure disorder
  • Diabetes
  • Liver or kidney disease
  • Heart problems
  • Glaucoma
• Drug interactions: Tell your doctor about all medicines you are taking, especially:
  • Other antidepressants
  • Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
• Withdrawal risk: Stopping suddenly may cause unpleasant symptoms (anxiety, restlessness, palpitations, dizziness, sleep disturbances). Your doctor may reduce the dose gradually.

Possible Side Effects

Common:

• Nausea, indigestion
• Dry mouth
• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Increased sweating
• Sinusitis
• Insomnia (trouble sleeping)
• Yawning, abnormal dreams

Sexual side effects:

• Reduced sexual desire
• Delayed ejaculation
• Erectile dysfunction

Serious (seek medical help immediately):

• Sudden worsening of mood
• Thoughts of self-harm or suicide
• Severe allergic reactions (rash, swelling, breathing difficulty)

Storage & Disposal

• Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
• Keep out of reach of children.
• Do not use after expiry date.
• Dispose of safely; do not flush into toilets or drains.

Emergency Guidance

• Overdose: Seek immediate medical attention. Symptoms may include nausea, vomiting, agitation, tremors, seizures, or irregular heartbeat.
• Missed dose: Take it as soon as you remember. If it is nearly time for your next dose, skip the missed dose. Do not double dose.

Severe reactions: Go to the emergency room if you experience suicidal thoughts, seizures, or severe allergic reactions.