Final answer:
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor that increases serotonin levels to aid in treating depression and obsessive-compulsive disorders, functioning as a serotonin agonist. SSRIs are psychoactive drugs and typically have fewer side effects than other antidepressants.
Step-by-step explanation:
Fluoxetine (Prozac) is a type of antidepressant medication known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). It functions by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin, leading to increased serotonin levels in the central nervous system. This mechanism of action helps in alleviating symptoms of depression, and the drug is also used in the treatment of obsessive-compulsive disorders. Prozac is an agonist for serotonin because it increases the availability of serotonin in the synaptic cleft, enhancing its positive effect on mood. Moreover, it is indeed a psychoactive drug as it affects the mind, emotions, and behavior.
Compared to other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs like Prozac typically have fewer side effects, though caution is warranted when combined with other drugs that affect serotonergic systems such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). Treatment of depression may also involve psychotherapy, electroconvulsive therapy, or other pharmaceuticals like norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors.
Common SSRIs on the market include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), and citalopram (Celexa), among others. These medications share the feature of inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin but may vary in their additional pharmacological properties and side effects.