Prozac: News and Research

Prozac (fluoxetine) is a popular antidepressant medication. Millions of Americans have taken Prozac since the FDA approved the drug in 1987. Eli Lilly and Company, the manufacturer of Prozac, started researching the drug in the 1970s. Their goal was to create an antidepressant that didn't carry the same harmful cardiovascular risks as other tricyclic medications.

Since Lilly introduced the drug in 1987, doctors and psychiatrists have prescribed Prozac for a host of mental health disorders.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), Prozac treats the following conditions:

• Major depressive disorder
• Panic attacks
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder
• Bulimia nervosa
• Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

While millions of Americans have taken Prozac over the years, the drug can have adverse side effects. Here, we'll describe these side effects. We'll also discuss recent news about the antidepressant fluoxetine.

Prozac Is One of Many Antidepressants on the Market

Advancements in psychiatry have led to the introduction of numerous antidepressant medications. Prozac is one of the most frequently prescribed antidepressants. But there are many similar drugs, each of which carries its own health risks and side effects.

Some of the other antidepressant drugs doctors prescribe include:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)

All these medications treat patients with major depression. Every few years, it seems like a new drug reaches the market. This is because there are new research studies on depression and other mental health disorders all the time.

The effects of antidepressants are similar. We'll discuss these side effects below.

Common Side Effects of Prozac

Prozac has helped many people suffering from depression. But the drug also carries adverse side effects. Most of these are minor, and the drug's benefits tend to outweigh these effects. Unfortunately, there are some severe side effects as well.

Clinical trials have found the following side effects of Prozac:

• Flu-like symptoms
• Sexual dysfunction
• Drowsiness
• Dizziness
• Insomnia
• Anxiety
• Tremors

Some of the more severe health risks of taking Prozac include:

• Loss of coordination
• Twitching of muscles
• Increased risk of kidney problems
• Seizures
• Vision problems
• Hallucinations
• Rapid heart rate

If you experience any of these, see your healthcare provider immediately. They may need to adjust your dose or switch you to another medication.

May 2023: Prozac Safe for Patients with Kidney Disease

An article appearing in the Clinical Kidney Journal found that it is safe for patients with renal disorders to take Prozac. Prozac is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRIs). This class of medications is the safest for patients suffering from both kidney disease and depression. Given that patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD) are three times more likely to suffer from depression, this was inspiring news.

September 2021: Prozac May Reduce the Risk of Suicide

Over the years, many people have suggested that Prozac and other antidepressants may increase a patient's risk of committing suicide. Early studies suggested that Prozac may increase suicidal thoughts, especially in young people. But a 2021 study appearing in Neuropsychopharmacology shows that Prozac may reduce your risk of suicide.

February 2021: Prozac May Help Treat COVID-19 Symptoms

A recent study at the University of Toledo College of Medicine and Life Sciences suggests that Prozac may help combat COVID-19. The active ingredient in Prozac and other antidepressants blocks your body's production of a protein called interleukin-6. This is the protein that tells your brain to battle an infection. When this happens, your white blood cell count goes down, leading to possible multiorgan failure. By blocking this protein, Prozac helps reduce the deadly symptoms of COVID-19. This leads to a lower risk of hospitalization and a greater survival rate.

What To Do if You Become Sick After Taking Prozac?

If you or your loved one become ill after taking Prozac, seek immediate medical attention. You should also consider talking to an experienced product liability attorney. You may have a legal claim for damages depending on the facts surrounding your case.

Most law firms offer new clients a free consultation. Visit FindLaw.com's attorney directory to find a lawyer near you.