ABOUT COURSE
This course explores the therapeutic depth of Fluoxetine, the first SSRI renowned for its efficacy in major depressive disorder (MDD), including its robust evidence in treating resistant depression and diverse psychiatric conditions.
The curriculum covers essential topics for prescribers including:
- Indications
- Dosage and Administration
- Mechanism of Action
- Pharmacokinetics
- Warnings
- Drug Interactions
- Contraindications
- Augmentation Strategies
- Recommended Lab Tests
- Therapeutic Levels
- Overdose Management
- Tapering/Withdrawal
- Use in Special Populations-
- Pregnancy,
- Lactation,
- Renal Impairment,
- Hepatic Impairment,
- Cardiac Impairment,
- Elderly,
- Children and Adolescents
- Important pearls based on years of practice.
- This course aims to equip psychiatric nurse practitioners and other prescribers with the essential knowledge to effectively and safely prescribe and manage Fluoxetine therapy.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
Brand Names & Generic:
- Learn about brand names under which Fluoxetine is marketed.
- Learn about different generic names under which Fluoxetine is available in the market.
Indications:
- Learn the FDA-approved uses and potential off-label applications of Fluoxetine.
- Know the dosages of all potential off-label uses.
Dosage and Administration:
- Understand different medication forms and their administration.
- Implement appropriate dosage and administration guidelines for Fluoxetine in various clinical scenarios.
- Learn how to dose Fluoxetine correctly and identify usual dosage ranges.
Pharmacological Effects:
- Explore the mechanisms of Fluoxetine.
- Understand how Fluoxetine works in the brain to treat depression and other conditions.
- Discuss the impact of Fluoxetine on neurotransmitter levels and brain chemistry.
Pharmacokinetics:
- Absorption: Understand how Fluoxetine is absorbed in the body.
- Distribution: Learn about the distribution of Fluoxetine in the body.
- Metabolism: Discuss the metabolism of Fluoxetine.
- Elimination: Understand how Fluoxetine is eliminated from the body.
- Half–life: Know the half-life of Fluoxetine and its clinical significance.
Drug Interactions:
- Identify common drug interactions with Fluoxetine and strategies for managing them.
- Understand the mechanisms through which these interactions occur.
- Know which medications should be avoided with Fluoxetine due to drug interactions.
Common Side Effects:
- Learn about the most common side effects of Fluoxetine.
- Understand potential life-threatening side effects and how to manage them.
- Educate patients on what to expect and how to manage side effects.
Contraindications:
- Learn the conditions under which Fluoxetine should not be used.
- Understand the reasons why these conditions are contraindicated.
Best Augmenting Combos for Partial Response:
- Learn about the best augmenting combinations for patients with partial response to Fluoxetine.
- Discover effective strategies for augmenting Fluoxetine therapy.
- Evaluate the efficacy and safety of common augmentation strategies.
Recommended Lab Tests:
- Learn about recommended lab tests for safe and effective monitoring.
- Identify necessary lab tests to monitor patients on Fluoxetine.
- Interpret lab results to guide treatment adjustments.
Therapeutic Monitoring:
- Apply strategies for therapeutic monitoring to optimize treatment outcomes.
- Know about the therapeutic blood levels for Fluoxetine.
Overdose:
- Understand the signs and symptoms of Fluoxetine overdose.
- Recognize early warning signs of overdose and effective management strategies.
Tapering/Withdrawal:
- Apply best practices for tapering and withdrawal of Fluoxetine to minimize withdrawal symptoms.
- Follow the best protocols based on decades of clinical practice to safely taper Fluoxetine.
- Educate patients on the process and expected symptoms of tapering.
Usage with Special Populations:
- Gain insights into the unique considerations for prescribing Fluoxetine to special populations such as pregnancy, lactation, hepatic impairment, renal impairment, cardiac impairment, elderly, and children.
- Tailor Fluoxetine dosage for special populations considering their unique needs.
- Understand the risks and benefits of Fluoxetine use in these populations.
Important Pearls:
- Learn about essential clinical pearls to enhance practice and ensure patient safety.
- Understand the most important facts about Fluoxetine based on decades of clinical practice.
- Apply practical tips and experiences from clinical practice to improve patient outcomes.
