¿Why Fluoxetine works effectively as an antidepresant after 2 weeks of taking it?

Question

Fluoxetine works after two weeks of taking it, it's like it has a long-term effect. Why? Please medical/pharmacological /celular/molecular explanations.

Please, I want good explanatios, not just "copy&paste" from some health site.
And, there IS a reason, a molecular / cellular that makes fluoxetine works after 2 o more weeks, that's what I'm looking for.

Answer 1

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic attacks, certain eating disorders (bulimia), and a severe form of premenstrual syndrome (premenstrual dysphoric disorder or PMDD).

This medication works by restoring the balance of natural substances (neurotransmitters) in the brain, thereby improving mood and feelings of well-being.

OTHER USES: This drug is also used to treat certain other eating disorders (anorexia nervosa), obesity, and depression associated with bipolar disorder.

How to use Fluoxetine Oral
Read the Medication Guide provided by your pharmacist before you start using fluoxetine and each time you get a refill. If you have any questions regarding the information, consult your doctor or pharmacist.

Take this medication by mouth usually once a day in the morning, with or without food, or as directed by your doctor. If your doctor tells you to take this medication twice a day, take a dose in the morning and at noon. Dosage is based on your medical condition and response to therapy.

Use this medication regularly in order to get the most benefit from it. Remember to use it at the same time(s) each day.

It is important to continue taking this medication even if you feel well. Do not stop taking this medication without consulting your doctor.

Do not take more or less medication than prescribed. The maximum recommended dose for adults treated for obsessive-compulsive disorder and premenstrual dysphoric disorder is 80 mg per day. The maximum recommended dose for children with attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) treated for depression is 20 mg per day.

It may take 4 weeks or longer before the full benefit of this drug takes effect. Inform your doctor if your condition persists or worsens.

What conditions does Fluoxetine Oral treat?

Fluoxetine Oral Side Effects
See also the Warning section.

Nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, dry mouth, trouble sleeping, dizziness, drowsiness, yawning, weakness, or sweating may occur. If any of these effects persist or worsen, notify your doctor or pharmacist promptly.

Remember that your doctor has prescribed this medication because the benefit to you is greater than the risk of side effects. Many people using this medication do not have serious side effects.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these serious side effects occur: unusual or severe mental/mood changes (e.g., anxiety, mania), weight loss, change in sexual desire and ability, vision changes.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these unlikely but serious side effects occur: uncontrolled movements (tremor), fever/flu-like symptoms.

Tell your doctor immediately if any of these highly unlikely but very serious side effects occur: unusual muscle stiffness, fast/irregular heartbeats, chest pain, black stools, vomit that looks like coffee grounds, easy bruising/bleeding, unusual bleeding, seizures.

For males, in the very unlikely event you have a painful or prolonged erection lasting 4 or more hours, stop using this drug and seek immediate medical attention, or permanent problems could occur.

A serious allergic reaction to this drug is unlikely, but seek immediate medical attention if it occurs. Symptoms of a serious allergic reaction include: rash, itching, swelling, severe dizziness, trouble breathing.

If you notice other effects not listed above, contact your doctor or pharmacist


Here is a link to webmd.. On that medication.. You will find all the information you seek.

Well first of all if you want to do your own research then you should do it yourself not have others do it for you and here i thought i was helping someone who needed help not to look up research for there paper.

*sigh*

Answer 2

It is fairly well established that most antidepressants take about two weeks to start showing and effect. No one can really say that they have a definitive answer to why this happens. But it's been suggested by some evidence that antidepressants cause what is known as a "downregulation of post-synaptic receptors." This is supposed to mean that the number of certain chemical receptors on certain nerve cell (neurons) membranes either become less sensitive to a certain neurotransmitter substance, or that the total number of receptors decreases. Presumably, it takes about two weeks for this change to become significant. Thus, the two-week wait.

Answer 3

I agree with the others, place your baby in a car seat, bouncy, or even in his swing if it will fit, and take him in the bathroom with you. I would suggest keeping the door cracked a little though, if you take an extremely hot or long shower, all that steam can make it hard for a baby to breathe. You can do this until he gets to the age of climbing out of his bouncy or whatever and you can't keep him contained in one spot anymore. You could also wait until his nap time, which I'm sure is often at this age, and take the baby monitor in the bathroom with you so you can hear if he starts crying.

Answer 4

While you may not feel the total effects after just 2 weeks, the SSRI (the class of drug fluoxetine is) effects the serotonin levels your brain takes in. It keeps your body from absorbing excess serotonin. SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.

Answer 5

Medications do take some time before it starts working in the body.