What is Prozac and How Does it Work?

PROZAC NEWS...

There is mounting evidence suggesting individuals with depression have an imbalance of the brain's neurotransmitters, primarily serotonin, norepinephrine and dopamine.  These chemicals allow nerve cells in the brain to communicate with each other.

This medication may help to correct this imbalance by increasing the brain's own supply of serotonin.

Prozac is known as a SSRI (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor).  Try to say that 6 times quickly!

Many scientists believe that this antidepressant works by blocking
the action of the serotonin uptake pump.  You say, "What is that?"

Here you go...

When serotonin is released from the "sending" nerve cell,
some of it is reabsorbed by an uptake pump. By blocking the
serotonin uptake pump, Prozac increases the amount of active
serotonin that can be delivered to the "receiving" nerve cell.
This may help message transmission return to normal.

In a nutshell, Prozac is believed to trap serotonin between nerve cells.  This pooling effect builds up the amount of serotonin, thereby elevating mood levels. 

Notice my words, "trapped," because Prozac, nor any other SSRI actually create serotonin like most people mistakenly believe.  They each simply have different ways of pooling existing resources of different hormones related to depression.

Prozac and Professional Help Give Highest Recovery Rates

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