Acute hepatitis due to fluoxetine therapy

Fluoxetine-induced hepatotoxicity is generally considered of minimal clinic al importance and is not well recognized. Asymptomatic increases in liver e nzyme values have been observed in 0.5% of patients who take long-term fluo xetine therapy. This report details 2 cases of acute hepatitis believed to be caused by fluoxetine. Three cases of acute hepatitis caused by fluoxetin e have been reported previously. The mechanism of fluoxetine-induced hepato toxicity is unknown. Although routine monitoring of liver function may not be cost-effective, physicians should be alert to the possibility of fluoxet ine-associated hepatitis and consider early discontinuation of the drug if this condition is suspected.