Fluoxetine may aid depression by reshaping brain energy use and boosting plasticity.
For decades, antidepressants such as fluoxetine – widely known under the brand name ProzacTM – have been prescribed to millions of people worldwide. These medications are thought to work mainly by increasing the availability of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps regulate mood. However, the timeline of recovery – often requiring weeks before any improvement occurs – has long puzzled scientists.