PsychRounds: The Psychiatry Podcast

Discover the fascinating world of Fluoxetine, commonly known as Prozac. This discussion reveals its unique properties as an SSRI, including its long half-life and FDA-approved uses. Learn about optimal dosing for conditions like major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder, as well as considerations for polypharmacy in older adults. The podcast tackles potential side effects, including gastrointestinal issues and sexual dysfunction, while also emphasizing its effectiveness across various age groups and conditions such as PMDD.

The discussion dives into the history of SSRIs, tracing their roots back to the monoamine hypothesis. It explores how these medications evolved from earlier antidepressants like MAOIs, illuminating their impact on mental health treatment. The relationship between SSRIs and gut health is analyzed, highlighting significant side effects. There's a focus on weight gain and bleeding risks associated with these medications, especially in older patients. Finally, the complexities of prescribing SSRIs for bipolar disorder are examined, questioning the traditional views on chemical imbalances.