Prozac, the Most Popular Antidepressant

Fluoxetine Hydrochloride, which is the scientific name for Prozac, is the most popular drug used to cure depression. Prozac is also used to treat other mental and medical conditions, such as obsessive compulsive disorder (DOC), bulimia nervosa, ADHD and anxiety disorder. Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturers of Prozac, have made a fortune on this "miracle drug" since it's introduction to the U.S market in the year 1988. But just like any other drug, Prozac has it's side effects as well. It is not perfect, and there have been several cases of suicidal and violent behavior associated with the use of this drug. Therefore, there is a big controversy regarding the use of Prozac.

Mechanism
The mechanism of Prozac takes place in the deepest parts of the brain. It narrows in on the synapses, the spaces between brain cells, and affects a chemical or neurotransmitter called serotonin. Serotonin works as a messenger who carries messages across synapses between brain cells, who then sends them to the rest of the body. For people who suffer from depression, serotonin is not functioning properly. It does not stay in the synapses long enough to carry important messages, or may be stolen back by the first brain cell. SSRI's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors), are drugs that inhibits serotonin from being stolen back by the first brain cell. Prozac, which belongs to the SSRI family, does just that.

History
SSRI's were first introduced to the U.S market in 1988, with Prozac being the first brand. In preceding years, a different class of antidepressants were used to cure depression, called MAOI,s (Monoamine oxidase inhibitors). MAOI's show similar results as those of SSRI's, but the side effects are more severe. MAOI's act by inhibiting an enzyme called monoamine oxidase from breaking down neurotransmitters, such as serotonin. This mechanism results in an increase of this chemical, and thus leads to improved conditions. High blood pressure is one of the severe side effects of MAOI's, which in term contributes to numerous other side effects such as anxiety, heart palpitation and dizziness.