Prozac and Paxil

The FDA approved Prozac (fluoxetine hydrochloride) in 1987 for treating depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and other psychological disorders. Prozac is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) that works by decreasing the brain's absorption of serotonin, a chemical that controls appetite, sleep and mood.

In May 2000, a link was drawn between SSRI drugs and suicide. Prozac has also been linked with serious, sometimes fatal, reactions including liver damage and liver failure. There have also been reports that Prozac may cause aggressive and violent behavior.

In October 2004, new research raised more concerns about the safety of Prozac when Columbia University researchers found that mice exposed to Prozac shortly after birth exhibited abnormal emotional behavior in adulthood. This behavior appeared to be the result of a Prozac-related disruption of a key growth factor linked to brain development.

Prozac is manufactured by Eli Lilly & Co.

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