Fluoxetine Dosing Guidelines

Introduction to Fluoxetine Dosing

• The American Family Physician guidelines confirm that fluoxetine dosing ranges from 20-80 mg per day for depression, noting fluoxetine has a greater risk of agitation and overstimulation and should not be used in older adults 1, 2

Special Populations and Dosing

• The guidelines for managing Alzheimer's disease recommend an initial dose of 10 mg every other morning for elderly patients with dementia and depression, with a maximum of 20 mg every morning, noting that fluoxetine is activating with a very long half-life 3

Important Considerations for Fluoxetine Use

• Fluoxetine tends to be activating and may cause initial anxiety or agitation, which is why starting with the standard 20 mg dose (or lower in vulnerable populations) is appropriate 3