Fluoxetine: Purported Mechanism of Action and Safer Alternatives
Please use the antidepressant called Fluoxetine
Sources should current 4 years or less
It should be 5 pages plus title page and references
Your paper should be 5 pages in length plus a title and reference page
In a 2018 study, Levy, Scherer, Zikmund-Fisher, Larkin, Barnes, & Fagerlin concluded that approximately 81.1% of people withheld medically relevant information from their health-care providers. 45.7% of adults avoided telling their providers that they disagreed with their care recommendations, and 81.8% of adults withheld information because they didn’t want to be lectured or judged.
Levy, A. G., Scherer, A. M., Zikmund-Fisher, B. J., Larkin, K., Barnes, G. D., Fagerlin, A. (2018). Prevalence of and factors associated with patient nondisclosure of medically relevant information to clinicians. JAMA Network Open, 1(7):e185293. doi:10.1001/jamanetworkopen.2018.5293Links to an external site.
From this perspective, we can appreciate how many clients who see therapists as well as prescribers may not fully share information with them. This could happen in several ways- either not sharing information, omitting information, or blatantly lying. Some deceit may be harmless- other types of deceit can be deadly- especially when a client is taking medications for mental health conditions.
Many clients may disagree with taking medications for fear of side effects, becoming “dependent” on the medication, having to take the medication for the rest of their life, etc. This has resulted in many clients seeking out “all natural” forms of treatment. When some of these forms of treatment prove ineffective, the client may combine prescription drugs with “natural” treatments. They may not tell their prescriber this, however, out of fear of being “lectured or judged.”
Directions:
In this assignment, you are asked to consider one of the classes of antidepressant medications described in the course text. Next, you will prepare a paper in which you describe the following:
Please use the antidepressant called fluoxetine
1. The class of antidepressants selected for review: Fluoxetine
2. Description of the purported mechanism of action.
3. Potential “home remedies” or “natural supplements” that people may use in an attempt to treat the condition.
4. Explore possible drug/supplement interactions which could be problematic when combined.
5. Consider what you would do if the client tells you that he or she is using supplemental treatments to address their depression.
6. Consider “safer” alternatives that the client can use to work with their medication.
Title
Name
Subject and Section
Professor’s name
Date
1 The class of antidepressants selected for review: Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication commonly prescribed to help people with depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. It belongs to the drug class of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which increase the availability of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain (García-García et al., 2022). Serotonin is a chemical that regulates mood, appetite, and sleep, among other functions. In addition to depression and anxiety, fluoxetine may also treat obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). It may take several weeks for the full effects of fluoxetine to be felt, and it is essential to continue taking the medication as directed, even if symptoms improve.
Fluoxetine is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and oral solutions. The medication is typically taken once daily and can be taken with or without food. The dosage of fluoxetine can vary depending on the individual and the condition being treated. It is necessary to adhere to the dosage guidelines provided by a healthcare provider and to continue taking the medication as directed, even if symptoms improve (García-García et al., 2022).
While fluoxetine is generally well-tolerated, it can cause side effects such as nausea, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. It may also interact with other medications and supplements, so it is essential to discuss any other medications or supplements being taken with a healthcare provider before starting fluoxetine. In rare cases, fluoxetine can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behavior, particularly in children, teenagers, and young adults (Almeida et al., 2022). It is essential to monitor for changes in mood or behavior when starting fluoxetine or when the dosage is changed.
2 Description of the purported mechanism of action.
The purported mechanism of action of fluoxetine is based on its ability to inhibit serotonin reuptake in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that, among other things, regulates mood, appetite, and sleep. When a nerve cell releases serotonin, it travels across the synaptic cleft and binds to receptors on the receiving nerve cell, transmitting a signal. Once the signal has been transmitted, the serotonin is taken back into the releasing nerve cell through a process known as reuptake (Scotton et al., 2019).
Fluoxetine inhibits serotonin reuptake, allowing increased serotonin levels to remain in the synaptic cleft. This increase in available serotonin can lead to improved mood, reduced anxiety, and improved sleep. It is thought that by regulating serotonin levels in the brain, fluoxetine can help to alleviate the signs and symptoms of depression and various mental health illnesses. While fluoxetine is an SSRI and primarily affects serotonin, it can also affect other neurotransmitters, including norepinephrine and dopamine (Scotton et al., 2019). However, the exact mechanism by which fluoxetine exerts its therapeutic effects is not fully understood.
The therapeutic effects of fluoxetine can take several weeks to be felt. It is essential to continue taking the medication as directed, even if symptoms improve. Additionally, while fluoxetine is generally well-tolerated, it can cause nausea, sleep deprivation, and sexual dysfunction. Discussing any concerns or side effects with a healthcare provider is essential.
3 People may use potential "home remedies" or "natural supplements" to treat the condition.
People may use several potential “home remedies” or “natural supplements” to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. While some of these remedies and supplements may have anecdotal evidence to support their use, it is essential to note that they have not been thoroughly studied for their safety and efficacy.
Some potential home remedies for depression and anxiety include exercise, meditation, yoga, and other relaxation techniques (Schuch & Stubbs, 2019). These methods can reduce stress and improve mood and be a helpful complement to traditional therapies. In terms of natural supplements, several have been studied for their potential use in treating depression and anxiety. These include St. John’s wort, omega-3 fatty acids, and SAMe (Nicolussi et al., 2020). However, the safety and efficacy of these supplements can vary, and they may interact with other medications or supplements.
It is essential to discuss any home remedies or natural supplements being used with a healthcare provider, as they may not be appropriate for everyone and may have potential side effects or interactions with other medications. Additionally, it is essential to note that these remedies and supplements should not replace traditional therapies, such as medication and psychotherapy.
Overall, while some home remedies and natural supplements may help manage symptoms of depression and anxiety, it is essential to approach them cautiously and discuss their use with a healthcare provider.
4 Explore possible drug/supplement interactions which could be problematic when combined.
Fluoxetine is an antidepressant medication that can interact with other drugs and supplements, leading to potentially harmful effects. One of the most critical drug interactions to consider is using monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) in combination with fluo...