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So far we’ve covered:
• Acetaminophen (Tylenol)
• Tamiflu
• Methylphenidate (Ritalin)
THIS WEEK’S DRUG OF THE WEEK IS…
Fluoxetine! (aka “Prozac”)
What Does It Do?

Prozac is an SSRI antidepressant.


SSRI= Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Prozac is used to treat depressive disorder, bulimia nervosa, and obsessive
compulsive disorder.
How Does It Work?

Fluoxetine affects chemicals in the brain that
may become unbalanced, causing the
aforementioned symptoms.

The chief chemical Fluoxetine targets is
serotonin, a chemical used to send message
between nerve cells (a neurotransmitter).

Once serotonin is released from the axon of
a neuron, it travels to the receiving neuron,
activating receptors on that neuron. The
serotonin is then reabsorbed by the first
neuron by serotonin reuptake transporters.
How Does It Work? (contd.)

Typically depression is caused by serotonin failing
to activate receptors on the receiving neuron.

Fluoxetine blocks serotonin reuptake, leaving more
serotonin the gap between neurons, and thus
increasing the chances of receptor activation.
Side Effects


“Common” Side Effects Include

Drowsiness/Yawning

Sleep Problems/Strange Dreams

Decreased sex drive/impotency/lack of orgasm

Mild nausea
“Call Your Doctor” Side effects

Hallucinations

Vomiting, diarrhea

Slurred speech

Face\Tongue swelling and a red\purple rash that blisters and peels.
Credits

PowerPoint created by: Grant “G-Money” Koch

Works Cited (sort of):

http://www.drugs.com/fluoxetine.html

http://depression.emedtv.com/prozac/how-does-prozac-work.html