A recent report suggests that the antidepressant drug Prozac (fluoxetine) can be useful in the treatment of bulimia nervosa. * Researchers at the New York State Psychiatric Institute reviewed findings from 15 controlled studies on the use of anticonvulsants, lithium, fenfluramine and antidepressants in bulimia patients to reach their conclusions; patients in the studies used vomiting to compensate for food intake, were of normal weight, were predominately female, and were young ... Read More

There has been continuing speculation about a relationship between fluoxetine (Prozac) use and increased suicidal behavior since six cases were reported in 1990, which were followed by several other similar case reports. However, subsequent retrospective analyses of large patient samples, surveys of psychiatrists, and re-analysis of many clinical studies of fluoxetine and other newer antidepressant drugs failed to find such a relationship. In 1999, Leon et al. reported a prospective, naturalistic ... Read More

Study shows decrease in suicidal thoughts from combined therapy. A study funded by the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) concludes that Prozac is more effective in treating depression in teenagers than so-called talk therapy, but the two combined show the best treatment results. The NIMH has been conducting research to help clarify the potential value and risks of antidepressants and to explore how drug therapy compares ... Read More

Drug lessens severity of premenstrual dysphoria. Intermittent dosages of fluoxetine (Prozac/Lilly) given during the luteal phase of the menstrual cycle may help women suffering from PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder), studies suggest. Premenstrual dysphoric disorder, a severe variant of premenstrual syndrome, affects 3%-5% of women during their reproductive years, causing depression, anxiety, tension, lability, and irritability. A review of 12 clinical trials led researchers to conclude that, at 20 mg/day, fluoxetine reduces ... Read More