Prozac is the trade name of the generic drug fluoxetine, a Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). As serotonin affects mood and is involved in regulating anxiety as well as mood, doctors sometimes prescribe SSRIs for phobia treatment, especially social phobia.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter, a chemical that carries signals between neurons in the brain. SSRIs, including fluoxetine, slow the rate at which the brain reabsorbs serotonin, allowing it to spend more time in the space between neurons, known as the synaptic gap. This, in turn, allows serotonin to transmit additional signals to the second neuron. In this Psychology-Online article we will talk about fluoxetine and its side effects the first days.
SSRIs are second generation antidepressants, which means that they are newer than first-generation drugs such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors, MAOIs or tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs).
Fluoxetine 20 mg: side effects
Fluoxetine 20 mg (normal form) May cause drowsiness or nervousness, especially when you are starting to take fluoxetine for the first time. If you experience side effects, it is important to contact your doctor and avoid driving and operating heavy machinery until you know your reaction to the medications.
Fluoxetine or Prozac can cause a wide variety of side effects, including:
- Nausea
- Tremors
- Sexual side effects
- Excessive sweating
Specifically, the main side effects are:
Gastrointestinal disorders
The most common side effects of Prozac are gastrointestinal, primarily nausea and diarrhea. This is because there are actually more cells that have serotonin receptors in the gut than in the brain, and since Prozac works on the serotonin system, that area may be sensitive to having more serotonin around. These side effects tend to occur when treatment is started and can be minimized by starting with a low dose or taking the medications with food.
Changes in arousal or activation
Some people taking an SSRI for the first time may feel tired or a little sedated initially, or the opposite, a little fast-paced or nervous. It basically occurs when the neurotransmitters in the brain get used to being exposed to something new. Start with a low dose can help mitigate this side effect
Suicidal ideation
They are intended to help you feel better, but for some people, they can actually increase depressive thoughts. Antidepressants can actually increase suicidal thinking in young adults and children.
Sexual side effects
These side effects tend to occur once you are on a stable dose – and the higher the dose, the more likely they are to be experienced. It can run the gamut, whether you’re a man or a woman: decreased libido, decreased genital sensations, impotence or difficulty having an orgasm (). It is not known for sure why this happens, and anxiety and depression affect sexual functioning and sexual interest, so it can be difficult to know whether it is the mental disorder or the medication that is to blame.
Fluoxetine can interact with a long list of other medications. As a special precaution for fluoxetine, it should not be taken if you have taken any monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI) in the last two weeks, and you should not start taking an MAOI for five weeks after discontinuing fluoxetine or any other SSRI. .
Other medications that could interact with fluoxetine include:
- A variety of treatments for mood disorders
- Seizure medications
- Analgesics
- Treatments for migraine
Natural remedies like St. John’s wort also interact with fluoxetine and other SSRIs. Make sure your doctor is aware of all natural remedies, whether prescription or over-the-counter, that you use. Always seek professional advice before taking any new drugs while taking fluoxetine. Avoid alcohol and sedatives.