Prozac, also known by the name Fluoxetine, is a drug typically used in the treatment of major depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and other certain conditions. Fluoxetine Hydrochloride is the most active chemical compound in Prozac. The drug is administered orally and is classified as a Selective Serotonin Uptake Inhibitor (SSRI) alongside five other drugs namely: Citalopram, Paroxetine, Sertraline, Fluvoxamine and Escitalopram.

Prozac was first manufactured in 1986 by a global pharmaceutical company known as Eli Lilly and Company. The effectiveness of Prozac is proven, and the drug is even featured on the List of Essential Medicines, a project by the World Health Organization that seeks to improve healthcare standards throughout the world. The global usage of Prozac is on an upward trajectory, but America leads the way, followed closely by Australia and Canada.

Depression and anxiety may affect anyone irrespective of their age. Prozac has the distinction of being the only antidepressant approved by the Food and Drug Administration for treating depression in children as young as eight years old. It is important to understand, however, that most users of Prozac are middle-aged or older.

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Can You Get High on Prozac?

Prozac has no real recreational use style side-effects, however, a tiny percent of users report experiencing euphoria. However, the numbers are so low we might as well attribute the euphoria to other unseen variables. As for the majority, there’s no high from Prozac usage.

Prozac has a fairly long half-life. It takes weeks of daily usage to witness any change. For example, if you are depressed and have been battling melancholy, you may be spending your days feeling overwhelmed and sporadically bawling your eyes out. As such, taking Prozac for a few days and then stopping will have no effect on your depression. However, if you stick to the prescribed dosage for at least four weeks, your moods are likely to show improvement, and Prozac may help you see life in an entirely new light. So, the end result of Prozac usage is normally stable, more controlled thoughts as opposed to reaching a high. However, there are some users who report no positive improvement whatsoever despite holding fast to the drug.

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What are the Medical Uses of Prozac?

SSRI drugs such as Prozac boost the amount of Serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical compound responsible for, among other things, regulating mood and anxiety. People with low levels of Serotonin are susceptible to major depressive disorders.

These are some of the medical problems that Prozac treats:

Depression

When a person is said to be depressed, they are generally experiencing persistent low moods that might be accompanied by low self-esteem, withdrawal, and a myriad of other negative effects. Once depression comes onto the scene, it touches all aspects of the affected person’s life. People who fall short of their important life goals are most susceptible to depression.

Obsessive-compulsive disorder

Sufferers of OCD have a tendency to do a particular thing over and over again, turning that activity into some sort of ritual. This can include having repetitive thought patterns. These people cannot go for more than a short time before reverting to their obsession – whether thought or activity. Common obsessions include: scrubbing the floor, straightening the bedcovers, or having recurring wild thoughts.

Binge eating disorder

Also known as Bulimia Nervosa, this is where the affected person consumes an enormous amount of food over a short period, followed by attempts to purge that food, mostly through vomiting. The two main triggers of Bulimia Nervosa include, low self-esteem and pressure to attain (or maintain) a certain body type.

Panic disorder

Experiencing intense fear on a frequent basis is the distinguishing characteristic of this condition. A sufferer of this disorder may find themselves, shaking, sweating, and feeling numb, until the fear subsides. People that have been abused, especially as children, are likely to develop panic disorder.

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Premenstrual dysphoric disorder is a condition that affects about 8{b340406b661c1e5732b86e4172a84f651d0df9d8967334cfa4a3aae0d4c8bfbd} of menstruating women. This disorder intensifies the symptoms of premenstrual syndrome. The premenstrual dysphoric disorder causes recurring symptoms such as, acne, irritability, bloating, and exhaustion.

What are the Effects of Prozac on the Central Nervous System?

The brain is the center of the nervous system because it is the organ that synchronizes the thoughts and actions of a human being. So, when we talk of how Prozac affects the Central Nervous System, we are really talking of its effects on the brain.

The consistent use of Prozac may lessen your depression. However, this drug has its dirty side, a scroll of adverse effects really. First off, Prozac users may experience brain fog and impaired motor skills.

Some of the other effects include: low quality sleep, anxiety, suicidal thoughts, restlessness, agitation, manic episodes, irritability, elation, hostility, hyperactivity, impulsivity and even worsened depression.

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Negative Effects of Prozac

Prozac usage also has its adverse effects. They range from mild to severe, yet in worst case scenarios these effects may trigger allergic reactions that result in loss of life. Seek medical help once you experience any of these side effects:

• Shortness of breath

• Inflammation

• Red spots on skin

• Fever

• Joint pain

• Hallucinations

• Increased heartbeat

• Rigid muscles

• Nausea

• Vomiting

• Loss of appetite

• Diarrhea

• Convulsion

• Memory loss

• Insomnia

• Low sex drive

• Erectile dysfunction (for men obviously)

• Nervousness

• Tremors

• Suicidal thoughts

Prozac’s Interaction with Other Chemical Substances

It is expected that your doctor should ask about your medical history before giving you Prozac. You should disclose not only the medication you’re currently on, but also the medication you have taken in the recent past.

Some chemical substances or medications do “agree” with Prozac, but there are others that Prozac opposes violently.

For instance, alcohol in moderation can get on with Prozac. But keep in mind that the normal effects of alcohol such as lethargy might be amplified by Prozac. Excessive alcohol is a major no-no!

Please don’t mix Prozac with these drugs:

• MAOI

• Pimozide

• Thioridazine

• Linezolid

• Aspirin

What is the Right Dosage of Prozac?

The appropriate dosage depends on variables like age and health status. However, you’re supposed to take Prozac in the exact dose a medical authority asked you to. Would there be a problem if you overdosed? Yes, taking too much of any prescription drug is dangerous.

Want more information about how Chapters Capistrano can help? Feel free to call 949-276-2886 and one of our addiction specialists will help get the information and help you need.