Final answer:
Prozac, or fluoxetine, is an SSRI that inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, thereby increasing its availability in the brain's synapses, which helps improve mood and treat depression. It is not an agonist or antagonist; it prevents the reabsorption of serotonin, thus enhancing its effects.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prozac as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
Prozac, also known by its generic name fluoxetine, is a medication that falls into the category of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These drugs are primarily used in the treatment of depression and other mood disorders such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. Fluoxetine works by inhibiting the reuptake of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. By blocking the reuptake process, fluoxetine increases the amount of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft, which can help in elevating mood and alleviating symptoms of depression.
To answer the specific question about Prozac: Prozac is not strictly an agonist or antagonist for serotonin. Rather, it is a reuptake inhibitor, which means it prevents the reabsorption of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, resulting in more serotonin remaining in the synapse to bind to postsynaptic receptors. This increased serotonergic activity contributes to Prozac's antidepressant effects.