The Side Effects of Prozac Do Not Include Memory Loss

The relationship between Prozac and memory loss is a little complicated. Manufacturers, Eli Lilly and Company state that unlike other anti-depressants, Prozac does not cause memory loss as one of its side effects. It is a new generation of SSRI (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) which implies that it works by changing the neurotransmitter, serotonin’s action. However, even if Prozac does not cause memory loss, it does have its other side effects albeit milder than its predecessors.

Earlier generations of anti depressant used to cause severe dry mouth, constipation and sedation. The only side effect that has caused concern amongst patients is reduced libido. When a patient is prescribed Prozac, for the duration of the period he is taking it he will see a drastic decrease in sex drive and reduced libido and difficulty in reaching orgasm. This side effect is unfortunately commonly seen in both men and women taking Prozac and has not been able to be changed as of yet.

Prozac on the Decline

However, just like any other popular drug, Prozac has made money in the first five years or so because as soon as its patent expires, and generics enter the picture, many patients and their doctors switch to the lower cost, FDA-approved generics and it heralds the end f the day for the famous name brand.

Another reason why Prozac is seeing a decline is because of newer drugs like Zoloft and Paxil that claim to have the same anti-depressant features of Prozac minus the decreased sexual appetite. These new drugs also have a less likely chance of being overdosed as Prozac and hence are seeing lots of prescriptions being written and dispensed.

The famous drug has twenty years of research behind t and it is nearly unanimous that it has some side effects, but Prozac does not cause memory loss. Prozac can be prescribed to anxious or depressed patients who may be suffering from some sort of memory loss due to other factors but is most likely not going to be exacerbated by taking this drug.

Talk to Your Doctor

Memory loss can be a very disturbing thing when you can’t remember were you left your cell phone or when your son’s birthday is. It can have practical, financial, social and emotional consequences. Talk to your doctor if you feel you are suffering from some form of anxiety or depression. Ask them if Prozac will help with memory loss as it is crippling your life. Your doctor knows your medical history the best and can give you the most accurate advice.