Wednesday, March 14, 2007

Prozac Antidepressant--Friend or Foe?

By Athlyn Green

Much has been heard about Prozac antidepressant medication. It is helpful to separate fact from fiction in attempting to understand how and why this drug works.

This medicine is prescribed for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, bulimia nervosa, and dysphoric disorder (PMS). As can be seen, it has varied uses, including treatment for ADHD. The antidepressant Prozac is a valuable agent in treating these troubling conditions and has been shown to be highly effective when depression and lack of energy are persistent.

This medicine is a member of the class of drugs known as serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers in the brain, important in relationship to mood. Reuptake inhibitors reduce reabsorption of serotonin after its release, boosting available levels in the brain. Prozac antidepressant medication is prescribed to alleviate symptoms, which manifest in relation to serotonin levels.

Side effects of this drug include abnormal dreams, sleepiness or insomnia, itching, sweating, loss of appetite, nausea or vomiting, anxiety or nervousness, dizziness or headaches, abnormal vision, flushing, diminished sex drive, dry mouth, flu-like symptoms, impotence, tremors, among others. More serious effects can be seen in bleeding problems, high blood pressure, emotional instability, palpitations, and loss of memory. This is by no means an exhaustive listing, but illustrates that use of the antidepressant Prozac can present complications.

Serious or fatal reactions have occurred when this particular drug has been combined with other prescription medications, such as Parnate or Nardil (MAOIs). Reactions have even occurred when Prozac antidepressant medication has been discontinued and a MAOI started. If you are taking any other prescription or nonprescription drug, your doctor should be made aware of this, so that you will avoid potentially dangerous complications.

An overdose of the antidepressant Prozac can be fatal. This medication should be taken with care. It must be remembered, however, that it can be an appropriate treatment for troubling conditions.

Your doctor will carefully weigh many factors before prescribing this drug for you: your history of drug reactions, other pertinent health conditions that might be aggravated, whether you are planning on becoming pregnant, are pregnant, or are nursing.

If you are struggling to overcome troubling symptoms of anxiety or depression, you may be looking into different treatment approaches. Many people feel comfortable with natural remedies and these are increasingly being turned to for relief from troubling disorders that interfere with everyday functioning and well being.

Can natural supplements address your symptoms in the same fashion as Prozac antidepressant medication?

Natural supplements can be a potent ally when seeking to alleviate conditions that impact on quality of life. These preparations incorporate key vitamins and minerals, enzymes and herbal extracts, and utilize specialty supplements and amino acids, which act to correct neurotransmitter malfunctioning and chemical imbalances in the brain. 5-HTP (5-hydroxytryptophan) is used for treatment of anxiety and has been clinically shown to significantly improve depressive symptoms. SAMe (S-adenosylmethionine) improves intellectual performance and reduces symptoms of major depression. (Neuro-imaging reveals that SAMe affects the brain in a fashion similar to conventional antidepressants.) Valerian treats mood disorders and depression; passionflower is an aid in combating nervousness; chamomile reduces anxiety. Ginkgo biloba enhances mental acuity and concentration, while combating depression. It can be seen that natural supplements offer potent relief and are a viable alternative to conventional treatments.

It is always important to discuss any treatment with your doctor. If you have concerns about use of the antidepressant Prozac, these should be discussed with your practitioner. Your doctor may still feel this medication is suitable in treating your condition.

Armed with information about conventional and alternative treatment approaches, you can progress along the road to recovery, confident that you have separated facts from fiction when it comes to Prozac antidepressant medication.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Athlyn_Green

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