Final answer:
Prozac reduces depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake, leading to more serotonin being available in the synaptic cleft. Prozac is a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), not an agonist or antagonist. Correct answer is a) Increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
Step-by-step explanation:
Prozac and similar drugs work to reduce depression by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Specifically, Prozac is classified as a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), and it functions by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the presynaptic neuron, thereby maintaining higher levels of serotonin in the synaptic cleft. This biochemical mechanism can elevate mood and is a common treatment for depression.
Regarding Prozac's role in relation to serotonin, it is neither an agonist that directly activates serotonin receptors, nor an antagonist that blocks them. Instead, Prozac is a reuptake inhibitor, which means it works by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin back into the releasing neuron. This increases the amount of serotonin available to bind to and activate receptors on the receiving neuron, ultimately enhancing serotonergic neurotransmission. So, the correct answer is a) Increasing serotonin levels in the brain.