Antidepressants, such as Prozac (Fluoxetine), were the second most commonly prescribed medications in 2010 (Insel). Most commonly, Prozac is indicated for major depressive disorder. Depression is a mental illness with symptoms of low mood, loss in pleasure, and changes in appetite, sleep, and concentration strong enough to effect a person’s life (Magni). Many people today still struggle with depression, and it’s important for them to be informed on drugs that may be able to treat them and turn their life around, such as Prozac. A serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), Prozac works by selectively allowing serotonin to accumulate in the brains synapses. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that has to do with the control of sleep states, mood, sexual
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Though Prozac can be effective in treating mental illnesses, there are also warnings that Prozac may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially from childhood to early adulthood (“Fluoxetine”). Consequently, it’s important for those starting Prozac to have open communication with their doctor and discuss the treatment frequently to determine whether I beneficial or not. Another issue with Prozac is that it can take four weeks or longer to exhibit its full effect (“Fluoxetine”). If new patients don’t realize this, they may be put off when they aren’t feeling depression relief right away. During pregnancy, the potential risks towards the fetus are said not to be worth the potential benefits, and should be used only when absolutely needed. Additionally, it’s important to avoid drugs with contraindications towards Prozac, such as MAOIs (“Prozac Medication …show more content…
In fact, some argue that many doctors are over prescribing the drug, therefore harming much of the adolescent population. After all, 70% of those who write SSRI prescriptions are primary-care doctors, not psychiatrists, according to physician and author of Prozac Backlash, Joseph Glenmullen (Lambert). Glenmullen argues that this has led to people usually Prozac for a variety of simple reasons, even for shyness or to stay awake (Lambert). However, Prozac should be prescribed what its inductions, by a professional psychiatrist who is specialized in mind disorders and prescribing medicine for their treatment. Additionally, one stud says that less than 1/3 of Americans who are taking antidepressants alone haven’t seen a mental health professional within a year (Wehrwein). Considering the dangers Prozac can have, like its risk of bringing suicidal thoughts, Prozac and other antidepressants need to be prescribed more carefully. Additionally, doctors need to check in with their patients to ensure they are comfortable with and continuing to take their
Though Prozac can be effective in treating mental illnesses, there are also warnings that Prozac may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially from childhood to early adulthood (“Fluoxetine”). Consequently, it’s important for those starting Prozac to have open communication with their doctor and discuss the treatment frequently to determine whether I beneficial or not. Another issue with Prozac is that it can take four weeks or longer to exhibit its full effect (“Fluoxetine”). If new patients don’t realize this, they may be put off when they aren’t feeling depression relief right away. During pregnancy, the potential risks towards the fetus are said not to be worth the potential benefits, and should be used only when absolutely needed. Additionally, it’s important to avoid drugs with contraindications towards Prozac, such as MAOIs (“Prozac Medication …show more content…
In fact, some argue that many doctors are over prescribing the drug, therefore harming much of the adolescent population. After all, 70% of those who write SSRI prescriptions are primary-care doctors, not psychiatrists, according to physician and author of Prozac Backlash, Joseph Glenmullen (Lambert). Glenmullen argues that this has led to people usually Prozac for a variety of simple reasons, even for shyness or to stay awake (Lambert). However, Prozac should be prescribed what its inductions, by a professional psychiatrist who is specialized in mind disorders and prescribing medicine for their treatment. Additionally, one stud says that less than 1/3 of Americans who are taking antidepressants alone haven’t seen a mental health professional within a year (Wehrwein). Considering the dangers Prozac can have, like its risk of bringing suicidal thoughts, Prozac and other antidepressants need to be prescribed more carefully. Additionally, doctors need to check in with their patients to ensure they are comfortable with and continuing to take their