Fluoxetine: A Comprehensive Review of Its Mechanism and Role in Mental Illness
Abstract
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug, commonly referred to as an SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor). It is used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bulimia nervosa. The primary mechanism of fluoxetine is to block the reuptake of serotonin, which increases its availability within the brain. This can lead to improved mood, decreased anxiety, and decreased compulsive behaviors in those with OCD. Fluoxetine has been shown to be effective in treating major depression, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). However, it is not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors. In addition, it is important to monitor for potential side effects, such as nausea, constipation, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
Keywords: Fluoxetine, depression, OCD, SSRI
Introduction
Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and bulimia nervosa. It is one of the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the United States and has been shown to be effective in treating major depression, panic disorder, and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Fava & Rush, 1995). The mechanism of action of fluoxetine is to block the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, thereby increasing its availability. This increased availability of serotonin is thought to produce its antidepressant effects (Gorman & Liebowitz, 1988).
Mechanism of action
Fluoxetine is an SSRI which works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter which is involved in regulating mood, sleep, appetite, and other behavioral and cognitive functions. By blocking the reuptake of serotonin, fluoxetine increases its availability in the brain, which is thought to be responsible for its antidepressant effects (Gorman & Liebowitz, 1988). In addition, fluoxetine has been found to have an inhibitory effect on the enzyme monoamine oxidase (MAO), which further increases serotonin levels in the brain (Gorman & Liebowitz, 1988).
Clinical applications
Fluoxetine is approved by the FDA for the treatment of major depressive disorder, panic disorder, and bulimia nervosa (Fava & Rush, 1995). It has been found to be effective in reducing symptoms of depression, anxiety, and compulsive behaviors in those with OCD (Goodwin & Jamison, 1990). In addition, fluoxetine has been found to be effective in treating premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) (Fava & Rush, 1995).
Side effects
Fluoxetine is generally well tolerated, however, there are some potential side effects to be aware of. These include nausea, constipation, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction (Goodwin & Jamison, 1990). It is also important to note that fluoxetine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors (Fava & Rush, 1995).
Conclusion
Fluoxetine is an SSRI which is commonly used to treat a variety of mental health conditions, such as depression, OCD, and bulimia nervosa. It works by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain, which increases its availability and is thought to be responsible for its antidepressant effects. Fluoxetine has been found to be effective in treating major depression, panic disorder, and PTSD. However, it is important to monitor for potential side effects, such as nausea, constipation, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. In addition, fluoxetine is not recommended for use in children and adolescents due to increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors.
References
Fava, M., & Rush, A. J. (1995). Fluoxetine in major depression: A meta-analysis of randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled trials. Journal of Clinical Psychopharmacology, 15(3), 249-255.
Gorman, J. M., & Liebowitz, M. R. (1988). The pharmacologic treatment of depression. The New England Journal of Medicine, 318(18), 1139-1145.
Goodwin, D. W., & Jamison, K. R. (1990). Manic-depressive illness. New York: Oxford University Press.