DrugMD

Fluoxetine is an anti-depressant of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is
prescribed to mitigate severe chemical imbalances in the brain, which can lead to depression,
panic, bipolar disorder, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive symptoms, cataplexy, obesity, severe
alcohol dependence, bulimia nervosa, binge eating and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It may
take up to four weeks before a patient begins to feel the effects of the drug.

Despite the wide variety of anti-depressants, Fluoxetine is extremely popular in the U.S. and
the third most prescribed anti-depressant after sertaline and escitalopram. It is sometimes used
in conjunction with olanzapine (the combination drug is also known as Symbyax) to treat
depression caused by biopolar disorder (or manic depression). Some well known brands of
Fluoxetine are Prozac, Fontex Sarafem and Selfemra.

Although you should inform your physician of all medications you are on, Fluoxetine is notably
dangerous when taken with pimozide, pimozide, thioridzaine or any monoamine oxidase
inhibitor. Also, it has a particularly adverse effect on patients suffering from cirrhosis of the
liver, kidney disease, diabetes, seizures or epilepsy, bipolar disorder, history of drug abuse and
suicidal thoughts. Let your physician know if you suffer from any of these conditions and dosage
will be adjusted accordingly.

Fluoxetine side effects are varied. A common side effect of Fluoxetine is thoughts of suicide, particularly in
patients who are under the age of 24. All patients should check in regularly with their physician
during the first several weeks of taking Fluoxetine.

Other common side effects of Fluoxetine are minor and tolerable, but should be reported if they
persist or increase in severity. They are:

• Anorexia
• Anxiety and panic attacks
• Cold like symptoms
• Decreased sex drive, impotence or inability to achieve orgasm
• Dizziness
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Nausea, upset stomach and/or constipation
• Changes in weight

Less common but more severe Fluoxetine side effects should be reported immediately and
include:

• Allergic reactions
• Aggression, agitation or hostility
• Blood pressure changes
• Coma
• Dramatic shifts in mood and behavior
• Fainting
• Further depression
• Hallucinations
• Headaches
• Hyperactivity
• Muscle stiffness
• Seizures

Use of Fluoxetine during the third trimester of a pregnancy can have adverse effects on the fetus. Fluoxetine should not be used when nursing as it can be passed to the baby through breast milk. You should consult your physician before taking Fluoxetine to avoid any side effects that can occur.

Metformin is an oral anti-diabetic drug that helps reduce and control blood sugar levels in patients with Type 2 diabetes. It is the most commonly prescribed drug in treating this conditions, and sometimes used in conjunction with insulin or other medications. It is not used to treat Type 1 diabetes. The drug is widely prescribed globally, and in the US alone there were more than 48 million prescriptions filled in 2010 for the generic form. Common brands are Glucophage, Glucophage XR, Clumetza, Fortamet and Riomet.

Metformin is also known to reduce triglycerides and prevent cardiovascular problems in diabetes patients. And research continues to explore its positive effects on those suffering from gestational diabetes and polycystic ovary syndrome. You should not take Metformin if you are in a state of diabetic ketoacidosis, and intake should temporarily be stalled if you are undergoing X-rays or CT scans that require dye being injected into the veins. Before taking Metformin, inform your physician about any and all other medications you are on.

Metformin side effects are minor and generally tolerable. The most common ones are gastrointestinal, including:

• Diarrhea
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Flatulence
• Indigestion

Other minor Metformin side effects are:

• Fatigue and weakness
• Headaches
• Mild weight gain
• Cold-like symptoms
• Temporary metallic taste

Patients who take the extended release form of Metformin experience these side effects less frequently and less severely.

More serious side effects of Metformin are rare (only affecting one to five percent of patients in clinical studies), and include:

• Lactic acidosis (build up of lactate in the blood). Symptoms are weakness, trouble breathing, dizziness and irregular heartbeats
• Irregularly high or low blood sugar levels
• Chest pain
• Allergic reactions, such as rashes, itching, swelling, wheezing and hives

These Metformin side effects may develop over time. Contact your physician immediately if you experience any of these symptoms

Although Metformin seems to have no effect on unborn fetuses, pregnant women should consult their physician before taking Metformin to avoid any side effects that can occur.

Fenofibrate is a drug prescribed to reduce cholesterol levels in patients at risk of cardiovascular and pancreatic disease. It works by increasing the natural enzymes that break down fatty substances in the blood, such as low-density lipoprotein (LDL or bad cholesterol) and triglycerides. It also increases levels of high-density lipoprotein (HDL or good cholesterol), known to decrease corrosion of the blood. Common brands are Antara, Fenoglie, Fibricor, Lipofen, Lofibra, Tricor, Triglide and Trilipix.

For optimal results, Fenofibrate should be used in conjunction with a regulated diet, exercise and decreased alcohol use. Smoking is also discouraged. It is also recommended that the drug be taken at the same time daily. It can take up to two months for the drug to take noticeable effect. Fenofibrate is known to work adversely with bile acid-binding resins like cholestranmine or colestipol, both which prevent full absorption of the drug, so it is recommended that Fenofibrate be consumed at least one hour before or four to six hours after these other medications.

When used properly, there are very few Fenofibrate side effects, and historically only five percent of patients have ceased taking the drug due to side effects. The most common side effects of Fenofibrate are headache, nausea, constipation, diarrhea, flatulence, runny or stuffy nose, congestion, rashes, itching and hives. If any of these side effects are severe or persist, contact your physician.

Some more serious, but rare, associated side effects of people taking Fenofibrate are:

• Rhabdomyolysis, (break down of the muscles). Symptoms are muscle tenderness, weakness and pain
• Gallbladder or pancreas problems. Symptoms are abdominal pain, nausea and vomiting
• Kidney problems. This is signaled by changes to urination patterns
• Liver damage. Symptoms include jaundice, stomach pain, dark urine and high levels of liver enzymes
• Frequent infections and flu-like symptoms
• Easy bruising, bleeding and blood clots
• Allergic reactions including rashes, itching, hives, difficulty breathing, and swelling of the mouth, tongue and throat

If any of these side effects are detected, contact your physician immediately.

Although there seems to be no effect on unborn fetuses, pregnant women should consult their physicians before taking Fenofibrate to avoid any side effects that can occur.

These are the some of the common side effects of Fenofibrate. You should consult your doctor if you show any signs of the Fenofibrate side effects listed above.