- Summarize why Prozac and other SSRIs are so popular compared to similar older medications. Discuss the factors that lead to their popularity and the evidence to support the use of these medications as a treatment for mental disorders.
Despite their efficacy, TCAs, renowned earlier antidepressants, were known to be associated with serious side-effects such as seizures and nausea if consumed at high doses. This is the main reason why the development of drugs that is equally productive but much safer has been the task to be done.
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are known to be almost free of side effects of earlier antidepressants and do not result in cardiac conduction abnormalities even at high doses - this was proven by a study in which fewer patients stopped the treatment due to adverse effects of SSRIs they took than the number of patients who stopped while taking TCAs. Because of their overall efficacy, safety, and tolerability, they have become widely prescribed by physicians. The SSRIs have risen to be the most significant class of antidepressants that have been developed o far, and the very goal of their development has satisfied the idea of developing agents of much more efficient and safer nature.
Prior to the development of SSRIs, older medications such as tricyclics and monoamine oxidase inhibitors were mostly used to alleviate depressive symptoms. The earlier antidepressants, compared to the SSRIs, seem to be under greater influence of side-effects such as low energy and loss of appetite. And most importantly, tricyclics interferes with the neurotransmitter acetylcholine, leading to greater flight or fight response and ultimately resulting in symptoms like increase in heart rate and constipation. And monoamine oxidase inhibitors are associated with possibly negative interactions with foods and other medications.
The main function of Prozac and other SSRIs is to increase the levels of serotonin - this will not only result in enrichment of one’s mood, but also of one’s overall liveliness, confidence and positivity. Prozac is also known to be involved in dealing with anxiety, sensitivity, obsessive thoughts and many other parts of one’s feelings. The effect of Prozac, therefore, is more than just medical antidepressants. It has led its users to achieve a better outlook on the idea of self-concept. Prozac has turned out to be more successful in dealing with both classical and non-classical depression than the earlier antidepressants. First, there is no need to be concerned with issues regarding overdose since its action is very specific. And most importantly, Prozac are known that they usually do not involve sedative effects, weight gain and other potentially interactions with other antidepressant medications. Prozac’s tendencies to increase energy and highly marketable traits are arguably biggest reasons of its popularity among its users.
The SSRIs have been used as medications for treatments of mental disorders, especially depression and anxiety disorder. When treating adolescent depression, SSRIs, especially fluoxetine, have demonstrated to be effective. Fluoxetine, among all SSRIs, demonstrated most superior effects compared to placebo effects, and citalopram and sertraline have demonstrated some efficiency in treatment according to the results of 2 randomized controlled trials that were comparing the differences between the effects of drugs and placebo on patients’ depression status.
The use of medication is quite significant when treating youth with anxiety disorders – SSRIs especially being chosen to treat children’s anxiety disorders. The results of anxiety disorder research have shown that there is are SSRIs are equally effective – Fluoxetine and Sertraline have demonstrated to be effective compared with placebo in the treatment process.
- Summarize why some people are very concerned about the use of the SSRI antidepressants. Discuss the evidence that is used to support the arguments for either avoiding or limiting use of these medications.
Although SSRIs have been found to be safer than earlier drugs, a number of concerns have emerged as a result of side effects involved with continued use, which range from physical symptoms to even suicidal thoughts. Physicians, thus, must know about other drugs a patient is taking so that the dose can be adjusted. Physical symptoms involve loss of sleep, headaches, muscle pain and nausea. But, the most serious side effect seems to be blood clotting capacity, which is a result of decrease in concentration of neurotransmitter serotonin in platelets.
Sexual dysfunction is another major concern that has emerged due to continued use of the antidepressants. According to studies designed to analyze the effects of SSRIs on participants’ sexual function, women are reported to suffer from greater loss of sexual interest and desire as well as orgasmic difficulties. Men not only experience diminished sexual desire like women, but they also experience ejaculation inhibition, resulting in deterioration of both sexual performance and satisfaction. A questionnaire on sexual dysfunction showed 55% of the participants had experienced sexual dysfunction and dealt with physical symptoms like erectile dysfunction or vaginal lubrication difficulties. Drugs such as Viagra or Cialis could alleviate erectile dysfunction by increasing blood flow, but this could involve other side effects like headache or upset stomach.