A Little Recap….

So far we’ve covered:

• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)

• Tamiflu

• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)

Fluoxetine! (aka “Prozac”)

THIS WEEK’S DRUG OF THE WEEK IS…

What Does It Do?

Prozac is an SSRI antidepressant.

SSRI= Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Prozac is used to treat depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and obsessive compulsive disorder.

How Does It Work?

Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that may become unbalanced, causing the aforementioned symptoms.

The chief chemical Fluoxetine targets is serotonin, a chemical used to send message between nerve cells (a neurotransmitter).

Once serotonin is released from the axon of a neuron, it travels to the receiving neuron, activating receptors on that neuron. The serotonin is then reabsorbed by the first neuron by serotonin reuptake transporters.

How Does It Work? (contd.)

Typically depression is caused by serotonin failing to activate receptors on the receiving neuron.

Fluoxetine blocks serotonin reuptake, leaving more serotonin the gap between neurons, and thus increasing the chances of receptor activation.

Side Effects

“Common” Side Effects Include

Drowsiness/Yawning

Sleep Problems/Strange Dreams

Decreased sex drive/impotency/lack of orgasm

Mild nausea

“Call Your Doctor” Side effects

Hallucinations

Vomiting, diarrhea

Slurred speech

Face\Tongue swelling and a red\purple rash that blisters and peels.

Credits

PowerPoint created by: Grant “G-Money” Koch

Works Cited (sort of):

http://www.drugs.com/fluoxetine.html

http://depression.emedtv.com/prozac/how-does-prozac-work.html