CompositionFlunil Capsule is used to treat depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) and bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder involving binge eating and purging). It is a single-ingredient medicine containing fluoxetine 20mg, which belongs to a class of medicines called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
This medicine increases the level of serotonin, a brain chemical that helps regulate mood, anxiety and compulsive behaviour. It is also used for panic disorder and, in children aged 8 and above, for depression under specialist care. Take it once a day, usually in the morning, with or without food. It usually takes 2 to 4 weeks to start working, and longer for full benefit, so keep taking it as prescribed.
Regular sleep, physical activity, a balanced diet, avoiding alcohol and talking therapies alongside the medicine can support recovery.
Do not stop taking this medicine suddenly; your doctor will advise how to reduce it. Some people, especially those under 25, may have thoughts of self-harm or worsening mood when starting or changing the dose, so seek help straight away if this happens. Before starting, tell your doctor if you have bipolar disorder, epilepsy, heart rhythm problems, a bleeding tendency, diabetes or glaucoma, and about all other medicines you take. Do not take it within 5 weeks of certain other antidepressants (MAO inhibitors), and take care with blood thinners, painkillers and migraine medicines. Tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breastfeeding. Seek urgent help for agitation, high temperature, fast heartbeat, muscle twitching or confusion.
