A Closer Look at Fluoxetine

This compilation first focuses on studies on the anxiolytic properties of fluoxetine in menopausal women and patients with low-quality sleep. Both menopausal women and poor sleepers have significant vulnerability to the development of pathological anxiety and depression. Studying the effects of fluoxetine at both the preclinical and clinical levels, including such important factors as hormonal status and sleep quality, will improve our understanding of the effects of fluoxetine and other SSRIs on clinical symptoms of anxiety. Fluoxetine exerts its pharmacological effects by modulating the activity of 5-HT1A and 5-HT2A receptors and the serotonin transporter. This clearly suggests that it could reduce the side effects related to estrogens when using subthreshold doses of hormones combined with fluoxetine. Lastly, the authors assess the influence of fluoxetine on motor functions in patients with Parkinsons disease, as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly chosen antidepressants for these patients.