Slang

Happy pills, bottled smiles.

Background

Prozac is the brand name of the antidepressant drug fluoxetine. It is available on prescription, and comes in green and white capsules.

The Effects

• When prescribed in the treatment of depression, Prozac works by affecting the brain's mood-altering serotonin levels.
• Some users have experienced side-effects, including insomnia, diarrhoea, loss of appetite, anxiety and headaches.
• Some sexual side-effects have also been reported, including difficulties reaching orgasm.
• Prozac, like all antidepressants, may not work for everyone.
• Give at least two weeks for anti-depressants to work, but go back to your doctor if there's no change after four to six weeks.
• Taking just one tablet, rather than a course of them is unlikely to have any noticeable effect on your mood.
• If you're not depressed in the first place, taking some Prozac is not going to make you feel 'happy'.

The Risks

• The long term implications of regular misuse of Prozac is not yet fully understood.
• Mixing Prozac with other drugs, particularly ecstasy or alcohol, can be dangerous.
• Taking Prozac with some other anti-depressant medical drugs can cause very high blood pressure, vomiting and shock and has led to some people being hospitalised.

The Law

• Prozac is legal when prescribed under prescription. Supply or possession with intent to supply is illegal, and Class C penalties apply.

Updated: 19/10/2008