How to Use Fluoxetine to Treat Bulimia

Bulimia is an eating disorder, which drives a patient to eat large quantities of food in very short time (binge eating) and then the patient tries to get rid of the food (purging) either by vomiting or by excessive exercise.

Fluoxetine, a member of the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class, is known to be very effective for treating patients suffering from bulimia and is prescribed by physicians all across the globe. Here is how bulimia patients can use fluoxetine after a physician has prescribed them a regular dose of fluoxetine.

Instructions

  • 1

    Consult a physician

    You cannot just start a dose of fluoxetine all by yourself. You will first of all need to consult a physician in order to determine whether or not the use of fluoxetine is right for you. The physician will perform a thorough assessment of your psychological and physical state and then prescribe the proper dose of fluoxetine to treat bulimia if required.

  • 2

    Increase water intake

    Just like any other class of drugs, fluoxetine has its potential side effects. Headache, fever, nausea, constipation, insomnia and seizures are common side effects of fluoxetine. Apart from these side effects, fluoxetine may trigger diarrhea which in turn further complicates dehydration caused by bulimia. This is why patients on a dose of fluoxetine must increase their daily fluid intake considerably.

  • 3

    Psychotherapy

    Fluoxetine works best as a treatment for bulimia when combined with behavioural therapy or psychotherapy. Consult a therapist and continue talking therapy sessions until bulimia has been completely cured. The therapist will determine and eventually eliminate the causes of the self-destructive behaviours in bulimia patients.

  • 4

    Exercise

    One of the functions of fluoxetine is to raise levels of serotonin, a monoamine neurotransmitter, in the brain. Physical exercises such as yoga, tai chi, stretching and walking have a similar effect which is why bulimia patients should exercise regularly while they are on a dose of fluoxetine.

  • 5

    In case the side effects of fluoxetine start getting out of hand, bulimia patients will have to discontinue the use of fluoxetine, but this must be done gradually over a period of time and under the supervision of a doctor. Discontinuing fluoxetine abruptly can result in confusion, nausea, depression and headaches.

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