Patient/caregiver was instructed upon fluoxetine and mechanism of action as follows:
- Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication, belonging to the class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used to treat mood disorders, such as, major depression and anxiety.
- Neurotransmitters are chemicals that are manufactured in the brain and released by nerve endings, at the synapse, which is a junction between two nerves. This released neurotransmitter in the synapse communicates the impulse to the nerves around.
- This action of the neurotransmitter is terminated by reuptake of the chemical, back into the nerve ending. This reuptake of the chemical terminates the action of the chemical, reduces the conduction of the impulse further, and is considered a significant factor for symptoms of major depression.
- Fluoxetine works by affecting these chemicals in the brain, especially inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin by the nerve endings at the synapse.
- This helps with increasing the serotonin levels in the synapse, enhancing the actions of serotonin, which helps with improved communication, appropriate desired nerve stimulation, thus contributing to controlling symptoms of depression and promoting feelings of contentment and happiness.
