How Prozac Works
Prozac acts on a specific chemical in the brain known as serotonin. Serotonin is one of several chemicals used to send messages from one nerve cell to another. As the message travels down a nerve, it causes the end of the cell to release serotonin. The serotonin goes in to the gap between the first nerve cell and the one next to it. When enough serotonin reaches the second nerve cell, it starts the receptors on the cell and helps the message continue (see picture). The first cell quickly absorbs left over serotonin gap (reuptake). When the levels of serotonin become unbalanced it can cause many different conditions, including depression. Prozac helps block the reuptake of serotonin so more stays in the gap between the brain's nerve cells. This allows the serotonin to activate in the receptors on the next nerve cell.