Prozac is a drug taken to counter the effects of depression. Plough through this article for valuable information on the side effects of Prozac (fluoxetine).

Prozac Side Effects

The drug Prozac, in recent times, has managed to soar to the heights of popularity. Prozac or Fluoxetine is basically an anti-depressant that is used to counter the dispiriting effects of depression, panic attacks and premenstrual syndrome. The drug basically works its ‘magic’ by altering the levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is the chemical in the brain that’s responsible for the level of happiness and sadness a person may feel at any point in time. This is exactly why Prozac falls under the categories of SSRIs – Selective Serotonin Reputake Inhibitors. The drug, in the past, has always been known to have myriad benefits. In recent times however, the side effects of this ‘miracle drug’ have been uncovered by researchers and medical experts. Research has even proven that Prozac may not be as effective as people think it is in the battle against depression. Also, most improvements in conditions of patients are noticed or last only as long Prozac is taken. Once the doses stop, the side effects begin. Read on to know more on harmful side effects of Prozac.
 
Adverse Effects Of Fluoxetine
  • The side effects of Prozac are most obvious when the patient stops taking the drug. However, some side effects are also seen when the patient continues to rely on extended doses of the drug. It first starts off with nausea, nauseating headaches and if left ignored can progress to other serious digestive problems.
  • Prozac is taken mainly to counter the effects of depression, but what happens when a patient stops taking the drug? Simple, the patient is routed back to square one and experiences one of the most common effects of depression — insomnia. The intake and pauses in the intake of Prozac are characterized by insomnia or sleeplessness.
  • Prozac, without a question of doubt, can take a toll on the libido of an individual. It doesn’t matter if the individual is a man or woman, sexual libido has been proven to be ‘indirectly proportionate’ to the intake of Prozac. In fact, this is as the good prime reason for people steering away from large or small doses of this ‘miracle drug’. The use of the drug, amongst woman, has also resulted in painful menstrual cycles.
  • Prozac can cause fatigue. An individual who has been relying on Prozac to battle depression will experience fatigue at the drop of a hat. It may not be too obvious during the first few days or weeks of taking Prozac, but reality will soon dawn on the patient. In time, anyone who has been on Prozac will be able to discover for him or herself that they are clearly caught in the malignant snares of fatigue.
  • As ironical, as might sound it is true! Although the side effect of insomnia is linked to the intake of Prozac, the drug can also lead to drowsiness.
  • Prozac can undermine the functions of the respiratory system and that’s as good as the truth. Relying on this drug can lead to ‘Bronchitis’ and ‘Rhinitis’. Rhinitis is a respiratory disorder, which involves the inflammation of the nasal mucous membrane.
  • Rashes and ‘Pruritus’(inflammation of the skin) are believed to be the allergic and toxic side effects of Prozac.
  • Prozac is known to have strong and harmful effects on the psyche of an individual. Cases of mania have always been linked to the drug.
  • The drug, in the past year, has been associated with the death of at least a handful of patients. However, this is as rare as it gets and occurs only in extreme cases.

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