Fluoxetine is the chemical name for a type of medication called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs. These drugs are used for the treatment of depression and other psychiatric disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders and some forms of anxiety disorders. Fluoxetine affects the levels of neurotransmitters---particularly serotonin in the brain---which are chemicals released by cells called neurons or nerves. Neurotransmitters control functions in the brain, and abnormal levels of serotonin can cause certain disorders such as depression and mood swings. Fluoxetine treatment inhibits the reuptake of serotonin back into the neurons to increases their levels in the brain and sites of action, explains the MayoClinic.com. The effects of fluoxetine on the brain and body depend on the disorder or condition being treated.
Depression
In major depressive disorders, there is an imbalance between some brain chemicals that alter thought processes and cause depressed mood, fatigue, lethargy and loss of motivation. Fluoxetine is prescribed for the treatment of depression in both adults and children, states Rxlist.com. It enhances the effect of serotonin in the brain, causing increased feelings of well-being.
Bulimia Nervosa
Bulimia nervosa is an eating disorder in which there is a strong urge of uncontrolled eating and then compensation of this behavior by inducing vomiting and taking laxatives. As eating disorders are associated with mood disorders, fluoxetine helps to treat bulimia nervosa by controlling emotional centers in the brain to reduce anxiety, depression and mood swings, explains Drugs.com.
Panic Attacks
Panic attacks are a form of anxiety disorder in which there is an over-reaction to certain conditions or stressors in life, causing emotions such as extreme fear or nervousness. Fluoxetine is prescribed to treat panic attacks by promoting calming and relaxing serotonin chemicals in the brain.
Obsessive Compulsive Disorder
Obsessive compulsive disorder, or OCD, is a type of anxiety disorder in which there is repetitive uncontrolled thoughts and actions that cause anxiety and restlessness. In this disorder, there is an imbalance of the levels of certain brain chemicals that lower functioning of serotonin in the brain. The medication fluoxetine acts to increase the level and function of serotonin for acute and maintenance treatment of obsessions and compulsions in adults and children ages 7 to 17 years.
Common Side Effects
As with other SSRI medications, fluoxetine has an effect on sexual functions and can temporarily cause premature ejaculation and erection dysfunction in some patients, according to MayoClinic.com. However, fluoxetine has comparably less side effects than other antidepressants due to its selectivity, and it does not disturb the function of other neurotransmitters. Drugs.com notes that other common side effects of fluoxetine include loss of appetite, decreased sleep, anxiety, sexual dysfunction, seizures, skin rash and suicidal thoughts in some people.
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