Prozac

Fluoxetine is an oral drug that is used primarily for treating depression. It is in a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), a class that includes citalopram (Celexa), paroxetine (Paxil) and sertraline (Zoloft). Fluoxetine affects neurotransmitters, the chemicals that nerves within the brain use to communicate with each other. Neurotransmitters are manufactured and released by nerves and then travel and attach to nearby nerves. Thus, neurotransmitters can be thought of as the communication system of the brain. Serotonin is one neurotransmitter that is released by nerves in the brain. The serotonin either travels across the space between nerves and attaches to receptors on the surface of nearby nerves or it attaches to receptors on the surface of the nerve that produced it, to be taken up by the nerve and released again (a process referred to as re-uptake). Many experts believe that an imbalance among neurotransmitters is the cause of depression. Fluoxetine works by preventing the reuptake of one neurotransmitter, serotonin, by nerve cells after it has been released. Since uptake is an important mechanism for removing released neurotransmitters and terminating their actions on adjacent nerves, the reduced uptake caused by fluoxetine increases free serotonin that stimulates nerve cells in the brain.

What does Prozac do to a person?

Antidepressants are prescribed to help improve a person’s mood. Fluoxetine does not change a person’s personality but acts as a mood enhancer. Users may notice that they sleep better and feel less anxious.

Antipsychotic drugs, antidepressants, and mood stabilizers like Prozac have some potential to cause weight gain. Prozac's mood-balancing effect can restore a better appetite and desire for food, which might lead to a weight increase.

Drinking alcohol while taking SSRIs such as Prozac is not recommended. Prozac and alcohol can be a dangerous combination because Prozac acts as a sedative, and alcohol can do the same, making a person feel exhausted. Caffeine can directly counteract the effect of an antidepressant like Prozac being taken for an anxiety disorder or can make anxiety worse.

Fluoxetine can be taken at any time, but doctors recommend sticking to the same time each day. The manufacturer of Prozac (fluoxetine) suggests that it should be taken in the morning because it can make a person feel more energized, especially at the beginning of treatment.