<p><strong>Initial treatment</strong>: Recent studies suggest that 20 mg/day of Fluoxetine may be sufficient to obtain satisfactory antidepressant response. Consequently, a dose of 20 mg/day administered in the morning is recommended as the initial dose.<br />
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A dose increase may be considered after several weeks if no clinical improvement is observed. Dosage above 20 mg/day, should be administered on a bid schedule (i.e. morning and noon) and should not exceed a maximum dose of 80 mg/day. As with other antidepressants, the full antidepressant effect may be delayed until 4 weeks of treatment or longer. As with many other medications, a lower or less frequent dosage should be used in patients with renal and/or hepatic impairment.<br />
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A lower or less frequent dosage should also be considered for patients, such as elderly, with concurrent disease or on multiple medication. A recommended maximum dose for elderly patients is 60 mg per day.<br />
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<strong>Maintenance treatment</strong>: It is generally agreed among expert psychopharmacologists that acute episode of depression requires several months or longer sustained pharmacologic therapy. Fluoxetine is also used in dosage of 60 mg daily for the management of bulimia nervosa.<br />
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<strong>Use in children</strong>: The use of Fluoxetine in children is not recommended as safety and efficacy have not been established.</p>