Fluoxetine (Prozac) revisited
Article Abstract:
Fluoxetine, more commonly known as Prozac, has become the drug most often prescribed for depression. The mechanism for the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine is unknown, but it is known that this drug increases the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter (chemical messenger between nerve cells) in the central nervous system. Some researchers have suggested that fluoxetine may also inhibit the production of dopamine, another neurotransmitter, in some areas of the brain. Fluoxetine has been proven effective in the treatment of mild to moderate depression, and is taken orally. Other studies have found this drug effective in treating panic attacks and obsessive-compulsive disorder, but more research is needed. Fluoxetine has been proven to be as effective as tricyclic antidepressants, but unlike the sedating effects associated with these drugs, it has an alerting effect and makes some patients jittery. The most common side effects are nervousness, restlessness, insomnia, nausea, diarrhea, headache, tremor, and lethargy, which may all be dose-related and may be relieved by lowering the dosage. Two studies have reported an inability to reach orgasm by both men and women taking fluoxetine. Severe rashes and serum-sickness can occur, and the manufacturer has recommended that anyone who develops a rash should discontinue the drug. One study reported that six patients with major depression, who had not responded to the drug, developed intense suicidal preoccupation while taking fluoxetine. Fluoxetine taken with a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) has caused severe reactions and death. It should also not be taken with tricyclic antidepressants or antipsychotic drugs, as it inhibits their breakdown and may increase toxicity. Other adverse drug interactions have been noted with the concurrent use of tryptophan, lithium, haloperidol, and carbamazepine. It is suggested that the manufacturer's recommended dose of 20 to 80 milligrams (mg) per day may be too high; dosages of 5 mg per day and 20 mg every two to three days may be safer and more effective. (Consumer Summary produced by Reliance Medical Information, Inc.)
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1990
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Choice of an antidepressant
Article Abstract:
The choice of an antidepressant drug may sometimes be difficult. Antidepressants are a group of drugs used to treat patients suffering from severe depression. Fluoxetine, bupropion, sertraline and paroxetine are antidepressants that have been introduced for therapeutic use since the late 1980s. These drugs may replace tricyclic antidepressants for the treatment of patients suffering from depression. Tricyclic antidepressants include amitriptyline, imipramine and nortriptyline. Most antidepressants affect the uptake of different neurotransmitters. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) inhibit the reuptake of serotonin. Most SSRIs are as effective as tricyclic drugs in outpatients with depression. Bupropion is a SSRI that may be as effective as tricyclic drugs in hospitalized patients with depression.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 1993
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Prozac Weekly
Article Abstract:
The FDA has approved a once-a-week dosage of Prozac for the treatment of depression. Prozac Weekly contains more drug than the daily form and it has an enteric coat that delays the release of the drug by up to two hours.
Publication Name: Medical Letter on Drugs and Therapeutics
Subject: Health
ISSN: 0025-732X
Year: 2001
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