Side effects of long-term treatment with fluoxetine.

Abstract

Depressive disorders are frequently managed with long-term use of antidepressant medication. Even though the newer generation of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants exhibits a more favorable short-term, side-effect profile, effects of chronic use of such drugs remain unknown. Considering the limited data available on long-term, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor management, we report for the first time on two cases of late-onset adverse effects occurring 6 and 10 years after chronic-fluoxetine treatment in which patients experienced symptoms of restlessness, tension, agitation, and sleep disturbances. Symptoms resolved after reduction or cessation of the medication. Our case reports suggest the existence of a late-onset side-effect profile, which appears similar to acute side-effect symptomatology. Super sensitivity of the serotonin-related receptors may develop over the long-term and account for the phenomenon. Careful clinical monitoring is recommended to detect any late-onset, medication-related side effects.

• Authors: Nili Buchman, Rael D Strous, Yehuda Baruch
• Journal: Clinical neuropharmacology (Clin Neuropharmacol) 2002 Jan-Feb Vol. 25 Issue 1 Pg. 55-7 ISSN: 0362-5664 [Print] United States
• PMID: 11852298 (Publication Type: Case Reports, Journal Article)

Chemical References

• Serotonin Uptake Inhibitors
• Fluoxetine

Topics

• Chronic Disease
• Depressive Disorder (drug therapy)
• Female
• Fluoxetine (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Humans
• Middle Aged
• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (administration & dosage, adverse effects, therapeutic use)
• Time Factors