Final answer:
Prozac is in the category of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), which are used to treat depression and other disorders by increasing serotonin in the CNS.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prozac, also known by its generic name fluoxetine, falls into the category of psychotropic drugs known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These medications are specifically designed to treat conditions such as depression by increasing the levels of serotonin in the central nervous system. Prozac achieved notoriety for its effectiveness and reached a milestone with sales exceeding 1 billion US dollars in 1993. SSRIs, including Prozac, are prescribed not only for depression but also for other conditions like obsessive-compulsive disorders.
Compared to tricyclic antidepressants, SSRIs typically present with fewer anticholinergic side effects. It's important, however, to exercise caution when they are co-administered with other drugs that affect serotonergic systems, such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. By inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, Prozac effectively acts as an agonist, enhancing the neurotransmitter's availability and activity at synaptic sites, which is crucial for its mood-elevating effect.