One common neuropharmachological agent is fluoxetine or Prozac. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) and among the most extensively prescribed drugs in existence (Komlosi, Molnar, Rozsa, Olah, Barzo, & Tamas, 2012). To better understand why Prozac is a popular drug, a review of the physiological mechanisms underlying its action and properties will be conducted. Before understanding how Prozac works, it is important to review biological aspects of the neuron and neurotransmission. The neuron is comprised of the cell body, axon, and dendrites. Axons from one neuron connect to the dendrites of other neurons and send electrochemical messages via the synapse (Jahn, 2016). The electrochemical messages sent between neurons
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Typically, drugs used for the treatment of psychological disorders take one of two methods of action, i.e., agonist or antagonist. Agonist drugs are those that copy the effects of naturally occurring neurotransmitters by facilitating postsynaptic activity. Within the agonist categorization there are two subtypes. First is direct-binding agonist, which binds directly to the receiving end of the synapse. This binding effect allows the individual to experience the drug similarly to it being released directly into the brain (New Health Guide, 2016). Second is indirect-acting agonist, which stimulates the neurotransmitters release and therefore improves the neurotransmitter actions (New Health Guide, 2016). Antagonist drugs, on the other hand, decreases the activity of neurotransmitters by blocking or inhibiting the postsynaptic effects. Also within the antagonist category are two subtypes. First is direct-acting antagonist, which works by occupying the space on receptors that is normally taken up by neurotransmitters (New Health Guide, 2016). This action stops the neurotransmitters from binding to receptors (New Health Guide, 2016). Second is indirect-acting antagonist, which hinder the release or construction of neurotransmitters (New Health Guide,
Typically, drugs used for the treatment of psychological disorders take one of two methods of action, i.e., agonist or antagonist. Agonist drugs are those that copy the effects of naturally occurring neurotransmitters by facilitating postsynaptic activity. Within the agonist categorization there are two subtypes. First is direct-binding agonist, which binds directly to the receiving end of the synapse. This binding effect allows the individual to experience the drug similarly to it being released directly into the brain (New Health Guide, 2016). Second is indirect-acting agonist, which stimulates the neurotransmitters release and therefore improves the neurotransmitter actions (New Health Guide, 2016). Antagonist drugs, on the other hand, decreases the activity of neurotransmitters by blocking or inhibiting the postsynaptic effects. Also within the antagonist category are two subtypes. First is direct-acting antagonist, which works by occupying the space on receptors that is normally taken up by neurotransmitters (New Health Guide, 2016). This action stops the neurotransmitters from binding to receptors (New Health Guide, 2016). Second is indirect-acting antagonist, which hinder the release or construction of neurotransmitters (New Health Guide,