Fluoxetine, also known as Prozac®, is a type of antidepressant drug that was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a number of psychological disorders. Even though other effective antidepressant drugs exist within the United States, Prozac® is often preferred over other, similar, drugs.

The drug fluoxetine belongs to a group of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors. These drugs effectively increase the amount of serotonin within the brain. Since serotonin is responsible for elevating mood levels, Prozac® helps depressed individuals to regain happiness. It is believed that a lack of serotonin in the brain may be held accountable for depression.

Aside from those suffering from clinical depression, Prozac® is prescribed to those coping with anorexia nervosa, bulimia nervosa, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. While it is clear how fluoxetine works to help those with clinical depression, it is not clear how this drug helps those with other disorders.

Patients that are prescribed Prozac® for the first time may not experience any change during the first few weeks of treatment. Following the first few weeks, patients will begin to feel better mentally. Even though the drug has many positive benefits, there are also some drawbacks to this medication that should be mentioned.

Nausea, insomnia, anxiety, anorexia, tremors, and a reduced libido are all known side effects of fluoxetine. In addition, those who currently take monoamine oxidase inhibitors, pimozide, or thioridazine should not take Prozac®, since these medications may interfere with the function of fluoxetine. Pregnant women should avoid taking Prozac® altogether, since the drug can be passed to an infant through breast milk.

Some people who discontinue the use of fluoxetine may experience dizziness. While seemingly rare, it is not recommended that those taking Prozac® discontinue use without medical supervision. Prozac® does not cure depression, or any of the other illnesses mentioned above. Instead, this drug simply reduces symptoms while in use.

There has been a lot of controversy surrounding the drug Prozac®. Many medical professionals believe that this drug is is important when it comes to reducing the number of suicides within the world. Others believe that masking depression symptoms by administering medication is not a solution to the problem of depression. Either way, Prozac® continues to be widely prescribed throughout the United States for a number of illnesses and afflictions.