Nosebleeds - a side-effect of fluoxetine?

[Hamble]

Today I had a severe nose-bleed. I had a minor one a couple of weeks ago but before that it wasn't something I suffered with. Could it be a side-effect of fluoxetine? I have taken it before but recently had my prescription changed from liquid to dispersible tablets, and it has really "zonked me out".

[MAS_Nurse]

Hi Hamble,

Check this out on Net Doctors: netdoctor.co.uk/medicines/a...

There is a range of common to rare side effects of Fluoxetine. Nosebleeds (epistaxis) is considered an uncommon fluoxetine side effect (affecting between 1 in 100 and 1 in 1000 people).

It may well be worth your while having a chat with your doctor about this, as they may need to adjust your medication. They may also inform for instance in the UK, the MHRA (Medicines & Healthcare Products Regulatory Authority), a problem with your medication, who will then contact the manufacturer to update them. [gov.uk/government/organisat...]

Here's some first aid advice to manage acute nosebleeds:

NICE Guidelines: cks.nice.org.uk/epistaxis-n...

St John Ambulance First Aid for nosebleeds:

sja.org.uk/sja/first-aid-ad...

Hope this helps.

Best wishes,

MAS Nurse

[Hamble in reply to MAS_Nurse]

Hi - thanks for your reply. Luckily my son was around who has been in St John's and was able to advise and calm. I'm not used to getting nosebleeds and I panicked slightly as there was much blood. If I get another one I will let GP know.