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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Severe Tiredness While On Fluoxetine And Perphenazine?

I have been taking two medications for twenty-two years, Fluoxetine (20 mg.) and Perphenazine (8 mg.). At 53, I am working part time as a high school teacher, as I am too tired to work full time. (Husband, daughters, 21 and 12). I know both medications can make me drowsy and I need to have frequent rests. I know I have to continue taking the medications for the rest of my life, but am frustrated at not having more active time during the day. Any suggestions?
Tue, 31 Dec 2019
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hello,

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder.

Perphenazine is a phenothiazine used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia.

If taken together, fluoxetine may increase the blood levels of perphenazine and thus its side effects like abnormal movements, muscle weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, menstrual disturbances and blurred vision.

I suggest you to consult your psychiatrist to review the prescribed medications, you may need a dosage adjustment of perphenazine or an alternate effective but a safer drug to control psychotic symptoms.

Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.

Take care

Regards,
Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician
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What Causes Severe Tiredness While On Fluoxetine And Perphenazine?

Hello, Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor commonly prescribed to treat major depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder. Perphenazine is a phenothiazine used to treat psychotic disorders such as schizophrenia. If taken together, fluoxetine may increase the blood levels of perphenazine and thus its side effects like abnormal movements, muscle weakness, drowsiness, dry mouth, weight gain, menstrual disturbances and blurred vision. I suggest you to consult your psychiatrist to review the prescribed medications, you may need a dosage adjustment of perphenazine or an alternate effective but a safer drug to control psychotic symptoms. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further. Take care Regards, Dr. Mohammed Taher Ali, General & Family Physician