Psychopharmacy: Fluoxetine
, A. Definition
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug from the selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) class which is mainly used for depression. Besides
fordepression, fluoxetine and other SSRI groups are also indicated for
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual
dysphoric disorder, and bulimia. 1 Since its discovery in 1988, fluoxetine has
become the most widely prescribed antidepressant drug due to its ease of use
( once a day), the risk of overdose is minimal, relatively tolerable,
inexpensive, and a broad spectrum of indications.
SSRI class drugs work by inhibiting the serotonin reuptake process
through inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT). Since the
pathogenesis of depression is thought to result from decreased levels of
serotonin in the synaptic cleft, it is inhibition of SERT that is responsible for
the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine.
Compared to tricyclic antidepressants such asamitriptyline, SSRIs have a
milder side effect profile so they have better drug adherence than the tricyclic
group. Although no studies have shown fluoxetine to have better efficacy
than tricyclic antidepressants, fluoxetine has better tolerability, low overdose
lethality, is safe in patients with cardiovascular disorders, and relatively lower
weight gain.
Studies show that approximately 50% of depressed patients receiving
fluoxetine for 8 weeks begin to show a response to therapy at week 2, and
more than 75% begin to show response at week 4. It was also reported that
there was no response at week 4. -6 represents a 73% - 88% chance of not
responding to therapy by week 8.2
Synonym: fluoxetine. Chemical name: N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-
(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propan-1-amine
Regarding Description
Class Antidepressants
1
, A. Definition
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant drug from the selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitor (SSRI) class which is mainly used for depression. Besides
fordepression, fluoxetine and other SSRI groups are also indicated for
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, premenstrual
dysphoric disorder, and bulimia. 1 Since its discovery in 1988, fluoxetine has
become the most widely prescribed antidepressant drug due to its ease of use
( once a day), the risk of overdose is minimal, relatively tolerable,
inexpensive, and a broad spectrum of indications.
SSRI class drugs work by inhibiting the serotonin reuptake process
through inhibition of the serotonin transporter (SERT). Since the
pathogenesis of depression is thought to result from decreased levels of
serotonin in the synaptic cleft, it is inhibition of SERT that is responsible for
the antidepressant effect of fluoxetine.
Compared to tricyclic antidepressants such asamitriptyline, SSRIs have a
milder side effect profile so they have better drug adherence than the tricyclic
group. Although no studies have shown fluoxetine to have better efficacy
than tricyclic antidepressants, fluoxetine has better tolerability, low overdose
lethality, is safe in patients with cardiovascular disorders, and relatively lower
weight gain.
Studies show that approximately 50% of depressed patients receiving
fluoxetine for 8 weeks begin to show a response to therapy at week 2, and
more than 75% begin to show response at week 4. It was also reported that
there was no response at week 4. -6 represents a 73% - 88% chance of not
responding to therapy by week 8.2
Synonym: fluoxetine. Chemical name: N-methyl-3-phenyl-3-[4-
(trifluoromethyl)phenoxy]propan-1-amine
Regarding Description
Class Antidepressants
1
