O Prozac (Fluoxetina) em foco enquanto medicação para o DB

This week, we turn our attention to antidepressants, specifically the SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor) variety. Medications in this class include:

• Prozac
• Zoloft
• Paxil
• Celexa
• Lexapro
• Luvox

Although each of these medications has unique properties and may be more or less effective in the treatment of a particular individual, they have similar profiles in terms of potential benefits and drawbacks:

• Potential benefits: Antidepressant, anti-anxiety, treatment of obsessive compulsive (OCD) and related disorders, often reduces irritability related to depression and anxiety
• Potential drawbacks: Insomnia, sedation, agitation or mania, suicide ideation, change in sexual function, nausea or diarrhea, weight gain

• How does an SSRI work?

  Serotonin is a neurotransmitter – a chemical in the brain that carries signals between synapses (gaps between nerve endings or brain cells). Neurotransmitters are sort of like email, enabling cells inside the body to communicate with one another.

  The human brain has many different neurotransmitters, each of which specializes in certain operations, including cognition, memory, physical movement, immunity, and mood. Serotonin helps regulate mood, anxiety, sleep/wake cycles, sexual behaviors, and other brain functions.

  Neurotransmitters work by moving from one brain cell (neuron) to another – through a space called the synapse. After the transmitter is used by the second neuron, the first neuron sucks it back up and breaks it down. SSRIs prevent the first neuron from absorbing and breaking down serotonin after its use, thus increasing its concentration in the synapse between neurons. This increased level of serotonin lessens symptoms of depression and anxiety for many people, although how that actually happens is still not clear.