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fluoxetine vs tolterodine

Side-by-side comparison of fluoxetine and tolterodine. Data from FDA drug databases (Orange Book, NDC Directory, recalls, shortages) covering 20,000+ approved drugs, plus CMS pricing; see our methodology.

minor Known Drug Interaction

( 7.6 ) 7.1 Potent CYP2D6 Inhibitors Fluoxetine, a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6 activity, significantly inhibited the metabolism of tolterodine immediate release in CYP2D6 extensive metabolizers, resulting in a 4.8-fold increase in tolterodine AUC. No dose adjustment is required when tolterodine and fluoxetine are co-administered [see Clinical Pharmacology (12.3) ] . Drug Interactions Potent CYP2D6 Inhibitors Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor and a potent inhibitor of CYP2D6 activity.

Recommendation: Even though drug levels increase, your doctor does not need to change your dose when these are used together.

Drug Class
fluoxetine Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI)
tolterodine Anticholinergic (Overactive Bladder)
Type
fluoxetine Prescription
tolterodine Prescription
Summary
fluoxetine

Fluoxetine is a medicine that can help treat depression and other mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

tolterodine

Tolterodine extended-release capsules help control an overactive bladder. It reduces the feeling of needing to go to the bathroom often.

What It Treats
fluoxetine

Fluoxetine can treat major depressive disorder in adults and children. It also treats obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD) in adults and children. Fluoxetine can help with bulimia nervosa (an eating disorder) and panic disorder. Sometimes, it is used with another medicine called olanzapine to treat depression related to bipolar disorder.

tolterodine

This medicine treats overactive bladder. It helps reduce leaking urine, the strong need to urinate, and frequent urination. These symptoms are also known as urge urinary incontinence, urgency, and frequency.

How It Works
fluoxetine

Fluoxetine works by increasing the amount of serotonin in your brain. Serotonin is a chemical that helps regulate mood. By increasing serotonin, fluoxetine can help improve mood and reduce symptoms of depression, OCD, and other conditions.

tolterodine

Tolterodine belongs to a class of drugs called antimuscarinics. It works by blocking certain nerve signals to the bladder. This helps to relax the bladder muscles and reduce the urge to urinate.

Common Side Effects
fluoxetine
  • Abnormal dreams
  • Problems ejaculating
  • Loss of appetite
  • Feeling anxious
  • Feeling weak
tolterodine
  • Dry mouth
  • Headache
  • Constipation
  • Abdominal pain
FAERS Reports
fluoxetine
  • The medicine is interacting with another medicine 3,336
  • Harmful effect from different substances 3,316
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 3,233
  • Feeling tired 3,155
  • Death by suicide 2,904
tolterodine
  • Falling down 407
  • Feeling tired 406
  • Feeling lightheaded 309
  • Loose stools 308
  • Feeling sick to your stomach 308
Serious Warnings
fluoxetine

Antidepressants may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, teenagers, and young adults. Watch closely for worsening depression or suicidal thoughts. Tell your doctor right away if you notice any changes in mood or behavior. Fluoxetine is not approved for use in children younger than 7 years old.

tolterodine

Anaphylaxis and angioedema (severe allergic reactions) have happened with this drug. These reactions can cause difficulty breathing and require emergency treatment. Use caution if you have bladder problems, gastrointestinal issues, or glaucoma. This medicine can cause sleepiness, so be careful driving or operating heavy machinery.

Pregnancy
fluoxetine

Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. Fluoxetine should only be used during pregnancy if the benefit outweighs the risk to the baby. Breastfeeding is not recommended while taking fluoxetine.

tolterodine

It is not known if tolterodine is safe to use during pregnancy. Talk to your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. It is also not known if tolterodine passes into breast milk. Talk to your doctor about the best way to feed your baby if you are taking this medicine.

Also Compare, Nearby Drugs

How to Read This fluoxetine vs tolterodine Comparison

fluoxetine is classified in the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) drug class, while tolterodine sits within the Anticholinergic (Overactive Bladder) class. Drugs from different classes work through distinct mechanisms, so a head-to-head comparison illustrates trade-offs rather than equivalence. Both drugs are prescription-only, so a licensed provider must authorize use.

Adverse event totals above are pulled from the FDA's Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). For these top-ranked reactions alone, fluoxetine has 15,944 submissions while tolterodine has 1,738. Those figures reflect cumulative reporting volume, not per-patient risk, so older, widely dispensed drugs typically look worse on count alone. These two drugs have a known minor interaction flagged in FDA labeling, attributed to fluoxetine slows down the process your body uses to get rid of tolterodine, leading to higher levels of the drug in your blood.. Serious warnings, pregnancy guidance, and contraindications can differ even when indications overlap.

A table cannot substitute for clinical judgment. Effectiveness, tolerability, drug-drug interactions with your other medications, kidney and liver function, pregnancy status, insurance formulary, and price all feed into a decision that only a licensed prescriber can make responsibly. Data here is sourced from FDA Structured Product Labels (SPL) and FAERS, both of which update as manufacturers and clinicians submit new information. This page is for educational purposes only, is not medical advice, and should not be used to self-switch between fluoxetine and tolterodine - always consult your physician or pharmacist first.

Important: This comparison is for informational purposes only. Drug effects vary between individuals. Always consult your doctor or pharmacist for personalized medical advice.