subject: Things To Know About A Drug That Is Useful For The Treatment Of Anxiety Attacks [print this page] Fluoxetine HCL is one of the most commonly prescribed medicines in the management of depression. It belongs to the class of SSRI's (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor) which works by inhibiting serotonin reuptake by the brain cells. Fluoxetine HCL is approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in the treatment of certain medical ailments like depression, bulimia nervosa, anxiety attacks, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder.
Fluoxetine HCL uses: Fluoxetine works on the nerve cells in the brain. Various chemical substances that are present in the brain acts as chemical messengers between brain cells, and serotonin is one such chemical messenger. Serotonin has proven to lighten the mood, when it is released from the brain cells. Depression occurs in patients when the released serotonin is reabsorbed back in to the nerve cells.
Fluoxetine, as a SSRI's prevents the serotonin from being absorbed back in to the nerve cells, therefore lightening the mood for an extended time period. Raised serotonin levels in the body not just improve mood, but also appetite, sleep, and energy level. Moreover, it may reduce unexpected fears, and anxiety, persistent or troubled thoughts, and compulsions (repeated unwanted urges). That way, the drug helps treat the medical condition.
Medical uses of Fluoxetine: Even though, Fluoxetine is mainly used in the treatment of depression, it's also used to treat other health conditions for example
1. Bulimia nervosa, an eating disorder which is characterized by abnormal regard to food.
2. Excessive compulsive disorder, where the tasks are repeated excessively.
3. Anxiety attack, which is often characterized by sudden fear and unexpected fear.
4. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder which is often characterized by irritability, mood swings, breast tenderness, and bloating in the premenstrual phase of the ovulatory cycle.
Final thoughts: Fluoxetine HCL is a FDA approved medication used in the treating of depression and other psychological disorders. Depression is one major disorder that affects many people around the world. If not treated, it may cause devastating effect on the individual, and in many cases it may lead to suicide too. Fluoxetine is very good at treating conditions of depression, through inhibiting serotonin reuptake by the nerve cells. For the best results, it should be taken as directed by the doctor. When undertaking Fluoxetine therapy it is always necessary to divulge information to the doctor about all other medications you are currently under, like the non-prescription drugs. This information is significant because particular types of medications can react violently to the body when combined with Fluoxetine Hcl.
