Prozac: General Information

Prozac (generic name: fluoxetine; brand names: Prozac, Prozac Weekly, Rapiflux, Sarafem) is a kind of antidepressanrs belonging to the group of SSRIs drugs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and it is approved by the FDA. Prozac is widely used for treatment numerous nervous disorders, such as eating disorder (bulimia nervosa), panic disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), depression and anxiety. This antidepressant works by affecting certain brain chemical (serotonin, belonging to the group of neurotransmitters) whose disbalance is capable to cause all above mentioned health problems. Its functioning is based on increasing the brain’s own supply of serotonin thus eliminating the disbalance. Prozac was proved to be effective for treatment of Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder and Major Depressive Disorder in adolescents and children (in pediatric patients). Prozac belongs to the group of antidepressants drugs that are available by prescription only. It can not “cure” depression completely, but it shows a powerful controlling action over the symptoms of depression and allows people with this diagnosis to return to normal rhythm of life, to feel and behave adequately. During the period of its existence Prozac has been prescribed to almost 55 million people all over the world, and it is considered to be one of the most widespread antidepressant.