Cadflo (fluoxetine) is a generic version of the more widely-recognized medication Prozac. Both products contain the same active ingredient and treat the same conditions.

This product's active ingredient, fluoxetine, is in the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs. It increases the volume of serotonin in the brain, which elevates and stabilizes mood.

Cadflo is used to treat the same conditions as Prozac, most commonly:

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Bulimia nervosa
• Binge eating
• Obsessive compulsive disorder
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Note that for the above conditions dosage can go up to 80 mg per day, while Cadflo is only available in 20 mg capsules. However, most patients find 40 to 60 mg per day to be sufficient and doses over 20 mg are typically divided into two doses, so in most cases Cadflo capsules work fine.

Benefits of Cadflo

While there are many SSRIs on the market, Cadflo (and Paxil) provides several unique benefits:

• Cadflo is more stimulating than other SSRIs; ideal for individuals who suffer from low energy or who find other SSRIs cause fatigue or drowsiness. On the other hand, individuals who tend to be high-energy, prone to agitation, or who have difficulty sleeping may not want to use Cadflo.
• Cadflo, or its active ingredient fluoxetine, is one of very few SSRIs commonly approved for use while on-the-job in safety-sensitive positions, such as long-haul driving or piloting aircraft.
• Cadflo is less likely to cause some side effects associated with other SSRIs, but is most likely of the SSRIs to cause allergic reactions (though allergic reactions are still very rare).
• Cadflo is among the most likely SSRIs to be effective in treating depression, though it is not necessarily better in other mental disorders.

Patients who take Cadflo or Prozac report feeling more energetic, more stable moods, improved mental clarity and ability to focus, and feeling more in control of thoughts and feelings.

Taking Cadflo

Treatment is similar in all applications, though dosage adjustments may need to be made for age, weight, other medications being taken, and other medical conditions that may be present. In otherwise healthy adults treatment typically consists of:

• Start with 20 mg per day for at least four weeks.
• If no improvements are seen, dosage may be increased in 20 mg increments every four weeks, up to 80 mg per day.
• The majority of patients find 40 to 60 mg per day to be effective.
• Do not exceed 80 mg per day without explicit doctor instruction.
• Treatment may continue for as long as it provides benefit.

Some patients notice improvements shortly after starting treatment, but it usually takes about four weeks for full benefits to be felt.

Treatment typically spans at least 9 months, but it may continue for as long as it provides benefit. Many patients take Cadflo for years. Treatment with any SSRI should not end abruptly; withdrawal symptoms can be very disruptive, including headaches, severe nausea, sweating, difficulty balancing, dizziness, difficulty sleeping, and, in rare cases, hallucinations. Speak with a doctor about a discontinuation plan; dosage should be gradually lowered over several weeks.

Adverse Effects

Most patients taking Cadflo experience only mild side effects, and these often stop occurring in the first few weeks of treatment. Most commonly reported are:

• Insomnia
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Stomach upset
• Mild tremor
• Lightheadedness
• Sweating

Patients with a history of liver or kidney issues, diabetes, seizures, or glaucoma are at greater risk of experiencing more serious side effects. Discuss potential risks and warning signs with a doctor before taking Cadflo.

Unfortunately some sexual side effects are relatively common with SSRI use, including loss of libido, vaginal dryness, erectile dysfunction, and delayed ejaculation. There are many products that can alleviate most of these symptoms; speak with a doctor. Sexual side effects nearly always reverse when SSRI treatment stops.

Cadflo can interact with a wide range of other medications, including other antidepressants, blood thinners, widely-used over-the-counter products like NSAIDs or cold medications, triptan medications used for migraines, and many others. Always check with a doctor or pharmacist before mixing medications.

There is a risk of harm to unborn babies if Cadflo (or any SSRI) is taken while pregnant, particularly in the third trimester.