Prozac And Depression: A Controversial Subject

Prozac And Depression: Knowing More About The Drug

Prozac is the brand name of the drug fluoxetine hydrochloride. Eli Lilly distributes the drug which is known to be an antidepressant belonging to the SSRI class or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Prozac is generally used to treat clinical depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, hypochondriasis, panic disorder and body dysmorphic disorder. Fluoxetine was discovered to be one of the most powerful SSRIs. There are also a number of controversies surrounding the drug due to its various side effects like suicidal ideation. Prozac and depression are highly intertwined since the drug is known to either treat or cause the condition.

How Prozac Works

Prozac is initially metabolized in the liver by enzymes. As the drug circulates in the bloodstream, it reaches the brain then controls its production of serotonin. Other neurotransmitters continue to be produced normally. The effect would be improvement in emotions and mood. 20 mg of Prozac daily is sufficient enough to provide favorable results.

However, there are various side effects and serious concerns due to the very potent selective actions of the drug. If reuptake is inhibited for too long or too severely, serotonin levels may crash thereby causing a variety of mental-related symptoms like major depression, anxiety and visual and auditory disturbances.

Side Effects

People should watch out for the following adverse effects. Akathisia, anxiety, fever, nausea, diarrhea, dry mouth, indigestion, headache, insomnia, dizziness, tremor, skin rash, dilated pupils, anxiety, aggression, irritability, hypomania, euphoria and panic attacks are some of the most common. If depressed patients manifest these symptoms, medication should be slowly reduced and removed. Serotonin syndrome is a rare condition which results from careless use of SSRIs.

Taking Prozac with alcohol can also result to severe depression. Prozac overdose will cause delirium, fainting, hypotension, muscle tension and stupor. Withdrawal side effects are expected but should be self-limiting. If symptoms persist longer than the allowed withdrawal time, these should be reported immediately to a physician.

Stopping Fatal Effects

Suicidal ideations are just one of the grave effects should a person develop depression from simultaneous use of Prozac. The drug also can cause adverse reactions when taken with contraindicated drugs like MAOIs. There have been a number of deaths related to the simultaneous use of both SSRIs and MAOIs.

When Prozac is discontinued, take 5 weeks off at least before beginning to take MAOI. High doses and long term use of Prozac can also be fatal. Thioridizine however, can not be taken even after 5 weeks off fluoxetine. Users should always maintain a healthy diet and good sleeping habits while on the drug in order for circulation to take effect optimally.

Treating Depression

Prozac effectively treats depression with the right dosage and timing. Expect at least 4 weeks before noticeable effects of the drug occur. Adults have a starting dose of 20 mg daily which can be increased gradually up to 80 mg in two doses. For pediatric depression, 10 to 20 mg daily is indicated which increases up to 20 mg after a week. It takes 7 days before users can safely move to the once-a-week formulation. The weekly capsule is a 90 mg dose.