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What Could Be The Health Risks When The Body Is Not Metabolizing Fluoxetine?
My daughter was on Fluoxetine for 18 years and we just found out in May of this year, that her body was not metabolizing the drug. What could be the health risks to her and her body in this situation? We are afraid of organ damage but don t even know where to start as far as what tests she should have.
Wed, 1 Feb 2023
Hi,
Prolonged use of Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, can develop tolerance and dependence. Additionally, if the drug is not metabolizing properly in the body, it can accumulate the drug, which can increase the risk of side effects. Some potential risks associated with the long-term use of Fluoxetine include the following:
* Cardiac effects: Fluoxetine can cause changes in heart rhythm, so it's essential to monitor for any changes in heart rate or rhythm.
* Cognitive effects: Long-term use of Fluoxetine can lead to cognitive impairment and memory loss, so it's important to monitor cognitive function.
* Gastrointestinal effects: Fluoxetine can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea, so it's important to monitor for these symptoms.
* Neurological effects: Fluoxetine can cause headaches, tremors, and seizures, so it's important to monitor for these symptoms.
* Organ effects: Fluoxetine can cause liver damage, so it's important to monitor liver function tests.
It is essential to consult with her doctor to ensure that her body was not metabolizing the drug and, if it was, to have a proper plan to stop the medication and monitor any potential side effects. The doctor may also recommend specific tests for organ damage, such as blood tests for liver and kidney function and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
Prolonged use of Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac, can develop tolerance and dependence. Additionally, if the drug is not metabolizing properly in the body, it can accumulate the drug, which can increase the risk of side effects. Some potential risks associated with the long-term use of Fluoxetine include the following:
* Cardiac effects: Fluoxetine can cause changes in heart rhythm, so it's essential to monitor for any changes in heart rate or rhythm.
* Cognitive effects: Long-term use of Fluoxetine can lead to cognitive impairment and memory loss, so it's important to monitor cognitive function.
* Gastrointestinal effects: Fluoxetine can cause stomach upset, nausea, and diarrhea, so it's important to monitor for these symptoms.
* Neurological effects: Fluoxetine can cause headaches, tremors, and seizures, so it's important to monitor for these symptoms.
* Organ effects: Fluoxetine can cause liver damage, so it's important to monitor liver function tests.
It is essential to consult with her doctor to ensure that her body was not metabolizing the drug and, if it was, to have a proper plan to stop the medication and monitor any potential side effects. The doctor may also recommend specific tests for organ damage, such as blood tests for liver and kidney function and an electrocardiogram (ECG) to check for heart problems.
Take care. Hope I have answered your question. Let me know if I can assist you further.
Regards,
Dr. Priyanka, General & Family Physician
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