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The question was submitted
08/14/2008
Subject: Prozac
Can u explain to me how does prozac really works?
im sure they dont work like xanax which reduce anxiety immediately, but how does it make depression to feel less?
will the person experience reduced "feeling" thus making him feel less depressed?
what are the difference expected from a person before and after using prozac? other than improvement from depression
Answer from DepNet
Hi,
Prozac is the brand name of the medication fluoxetine.This medication belongs to a class of medications known as antidepressants. Low levels of a brain neurotransmitter known as serotonin are present in depression. Fluoxetine works by preventing the re-absorption of serotonin back into the nerve cells, thereby increasing the concentration of serotonin at the nerve junction present that would increase the nerve message transmission signals along the nerve cells.This increased in serotonin is important in uplifing the mood and reucing the anxiety level of the individual after about 2-4 weeks on regular taking of the medication.
Contrary to xanax or alprazolam as the medication is also called, it works by "shutting down" the body's responses to anxiety almost immediately around 10 to 15minutes after taking, Fluoxetine works on a delayed basis, requiring at least 2-4 weeks in order for it to exert its beneficial effect on depression, as well as reduction in anxiety levels.
Contrary to what some people think, taking fluoxetine does not consititute to a person "feeling less" in order to be less depressed. But rather, it serves to improve & normalizes a person's mood and anxiety levels with time. Thereby, enabling the person to be able to feel "happy" when he is happy & also feel "sad" when he needs to feel sad. However, I must stress again that its a gradual(time-taking) process in this transition/ improvement phase from low mood to normal mood. Patience and discussing it with your doctor on how you feel are important steps in one's recovery from depression.
Besides improvement from depression, fluoxetine also helps to reduce one's anxiety levels, and also to help maintain the mood & anxiety levels from recurring again in the long term. This helps to serve as a protective function towards stress and helps the person to be able to cope better with stress/ adversities in their lives.
I hope my explanation helps in your understanding of how prozac works.
Regards,
Depnet
The answer was published on DepNet
11/04/2008