Norfluoxetine
fluoxetine metabolite
What it isThe N-desmethyl metabolite of fluoxetine, equipotent at SERT with an even longer half-life.
Why it mattersIt is why fluoxetine self-tapers and why discontinuation syndrome is rare — the metabolite keeps working for weeks.
What it changesIt is also why a five-week washout is needed before an MAOI, far longer than the parent alone would suggest.
FDA-approved for
- depression (active metabolite of fluoxetine)
NO BOXED WARNINGS
Principal riskLittle in its own right; see the parent drug
Classes and tags
Clinical profile
Serotonin and MAOI
Provisional washout figures
Elevating mechanismSRI
Evidence confidenceHigh
InterpretationA potent SRI in its own right; its long half-life is why fluoxetine needs a 5-week washout before an MAOI.