Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, or SSRI, marketed by Eli-Lily under the trade-name Prozac. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, it is used to treat depression and anxiety in patients over the age of 8 years. Serotonin is one of several chemicals called neurotransmitters that the nervous system uses to control the body. Among other things, serotonin is involved in regulating mood, appetite and arousal. According to the textbook Essential Psychopharmacology, SSRIs act to slow down the metabolism of serotonin so that it remains available to neurons for a longer period of time. This may result in side effects that are noticeable or bothersome in the early stages of SSRI treatment, but those effects gradually diminish as the body adjusts to the medication. Made available to patients in 1987, fluoxetine was the first SSRI approved by the FDA for the treatment of depression.
Motor Changes
Serotonin is responsible for inhibiting the release of dopamine, another neurotransmitter important in musculoskeletal motor control. According to "Essential Psychopharmacology," the increase in serotonin activity elicited by SSRI's may result in muscle tremor, restlessness, sleep dysfunction and difficulty achieving orgasm.
Nervousness
According to "Essential Psychopharmacology," patients beginning fluoxetine treatment may experience anxiety or nervousness as a side effect of this drug.
Nausea
Prozac users may experience nausea when starting this medication. According to PubMed Health, as a result of decreased appetite associated with nausea, it is not uncommon for patients to lose a small amount a weight after beginning treatment.
Dry Mouth
PubMed Health states that dry mouth is one side effect that patients on fluoxetine may experience.
Drowsiness
Serotonin is involved in mediating states of arousal or wakefulness. Altering the pattern of serotonin's activity at certain locations or receptors in the brain may cause drowsiness, according to "Essential Psychopharmacology."
Sweating
According to PubMed Health, excessive sweating is a side effect of fluoxetine.
Decreased libido
"Essential Psychopharmacology" states that SSRIs broadly target serotonin receptors without regard to specific subtypes of receptor. As a result, SSRI treatments may cause short-term decreased libido and motivation.
Gastrointestinal upset
Serotonin receptors in the gut may respond to fluoxetine treatment by increasing gut motility. This can cause GI cramping and diarrhea, according to "Essential Psychopharmacology."
References
- "Essential Psychopharmacology (2nd Edition)"; Stephen Stahl; 2002
- "Case history: The discovery of fluoxetine hydrochloride (Prozac)"; Nature Reviews Drug Discovery; DT Wong, KW Perry and FP Bymaster; September 2005
- PubMed Health: Fluoxetine
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