Does Prozac affect creativity? (3+ factors)
By
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira (PhD)
Author bio
Dr Milena Locci de Oliveira is a Pharmacist and Doctor of Philosophy in Sciences from the University of São Paulo (USP). She has experience in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Milena’s Highlights:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration in the areas of Pharmacometrics and Population Pharmacokinetics, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
“Science can be translated, and it is essential that everyone has access to quality information to make informed decisions” – Dr Milena Oliveira, PhD.
Professional Experience:
With a decade-long career as a researcher, Dr Milena has amassed extensive experience in conducting research projects in microbiology, analytical toxicology, and clinical pharmacokinetics.
Her expertise also extends to the preparation of technical and scientific reports, literature reviews, data analysis, and scientific communication, both oral and written.
Dr Milena has served as a Clinical Pharmacist, providing expert supervision and guidance to teams during the challenging times of the COVID-19 pandemic, particularly in the ICUs of two reference hospitals for patient hospitalization.
In her most recent role, Dr Milena worked on the implementation of the deliberatives of the São Paulo State Government Pharmaceutical Assistance Coordination. These decisions were aimed at ensuring medication access within the Unified Health System.
A widely multidisciplinary background enabled Dr Milena to become a professional capable of integrating scientific knowledge into private initiatives, education, and healthcare, delivering consistent services in patient safety and population health.
Professional Memberships & Affiliations:
Dr Milena Oliveira is a member of the Regional Council of Pharmacy of the State of São Paulo, Brazil.
Education:
-PhD in Sciences, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2019.
-University College London (UCL) – Semester of remote collaboration, 2018.
-Bachelor in Biochemical Pharmacy, University of São Paulo, Brazil, 2013.
Relevant Published Work & Citations:
Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, Nardotto GHB, Pippa LF, Simões BP, Lanchote VL. Analysis of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in plasma and urine with application in the evaluation of total, renal and metabolic formation clearances in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. Nov 2020. 191:113-124.
Abstracts. CPT: Pharmacometrics & Systems Pharmacology. 2020 Nov; 9 (S1).
Pippa LF, Oliveira ML de, Rocha A, de Andrade JM, Lanchote VL. Total, renal and hepatic clearances of doxorubicin and formation clearance of doxorubicinol in patients with breast cancer: Estimation of doxorubicin hepatic extraction ratio. Journal of Pharmaceutical and Biomedical Analysis. 2020 Jun 5; 185:113-231.
Godoy ALPC, De Jesus C, De Oliveira ML, Rocha A, Pereira MPM, Larangeira DF, Lanchote VL, Barrouin-Melo SM. Determination of Allopurinol and Oxypurinol in Dogs Plasma by High-Performance Liquid Chromatography with an Ultraviolet Detector: Application for Pharmacokinetic Studies. J Chromatogr Sep Tech. 2017; 8 (4).
Clímaco EC, Oliveira ML de, Pitondo-Silva A, Oliveira MG, Medeiros M, Lincopan N, et al. Clonal complexes 104, 109 and 113 playing a major role in the dissemination of OXA-carbapenemase-producing Acinetobacter baumannii in Southeast Brazil. Infection, Genetics and Evolution. 2013 Oct;19:127–33.
Conference Papers:
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B.; PIPPA, L. F.; ROCHA, A.; SIMOES, B. P.; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Daunorubicin metabolism and urinary excretion in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 84th Annual Meeting of the German Society for Experimental and Clinical Pharmacology and Toxicology (DGPT) and the 20th Annual Meeting of the Association of the Clinical Pharmacology Germany (VKliPha), 2018, Göttingen. Naunyn-Schmiedeberg’s Arch Pharmacol, 2018. v. 391. p. S76-S76.
Oliveira, M. L.; NARDOTTO, G. H. B. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . The low contribution of urinary excretion in the elimination of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in patients with acute myeloid leukemia. In: 49th Brazilian Congress of Pharmacology and Experimental Therapeutics., 2017, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2017. p. 64-64.
Oliveira, M. L.; PIPPA, L. F. ; ROCHA, A. ; SIMOES, B. P. ; LANCHOTE, V. L. . Quantification of daunorubicin and its metabolite daunorubicinol in human plasma by LC-MS/MS. In: I International Meeting of Environmental Health and Toxicology (IMEHTOX), 2016, Ribeirão Preto. Livro de Resumos, 2016.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. . PFGE typing of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii isolated from different University Hospitals. In: V International Postgraduate and Research Symposium, 2012.
Clímaco, E.C. ; SILVA, A. P. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Lincopan, N. ; Darini A.L.C. Relação clonal entre linhagens de Acinetobacter baumannii produtoras de carbapenemases da família OXA em quatro hospitais no Brasil. In: XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012, Santos. XXI Latin American Congress of Microbiology, 2012.
Oliveira, M. L.; Clímaco, E.C. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Dissemintion of OXA carbapenemases genes in carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii in University Hospital of Juiz de Fora, MG. In: 8th CIFARP – International Congress of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 2011, Ribeirão Preto.
Clímaco, E.C. ; Oliveira, M. L. ; OLIVEIRA, M. G. ; Darini A.L.C. . Avaliação do sequenciamento parcial do gene rpoB e de seus flanqueadores para identificação de espécies de Acinetobacter na rotina laroratorial. In: 2° International Symposium on Clinical Microbiology, 2010, Florianópolis.
You can view some of Dr Milena’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dra-milena-locci-de-oliveira-28986042/?locale=en_US
ResearchGate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Milena-Oliveira-6
Escavador: https://www.escavador.com/sobre/5394254/milena-locci-de-oliveira
Lattes: https://buscatextual.cnpq.br/buscatextual/busca.do
Scopus: https://www.scopus.com/authid/detail.uri?authorId=57199779361
Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?view_op=list_works&hl=pt-BR&user=1YUBDIQAAAAJ
In this brief article, we will answer the question “Does Prozac affect creativity?”. We will discuss the research studies on the use and response of Prozac (Fluoxetine) to creative thinking. We will also mention what factors can have a positive or negative influence on the creative abilities of people while taking Prozac.
Does Prozac affect creativity?
Yes, Prozac can affect creativity in people using the medication. Individuals who have been prescribed Prozac for the treatment of depressive disorders show different responses towards the medication.
Some individuals have diminished energy or feel sleepy to such an extent that they cannot be productive. While others may respond with increased clarity and better access to their emotions and creative thinking abilities.
What is the influence of Prozac on creative thinking?
Prozac is a widely used antidepressant and it may have both positive and negative influence on creative thinking. It is generally believed that antidepressants make you dull or emotionally numb. But the truth is that medication can help artists to access their emotions, and express them creatively.
Impact on cognitive abilities
Cognitive function decline is seen in individuals battling with depression. Prozac may positively affect the cognitive abilities of individuals on the medication, giving them a better balance with their cognitive parameters along with improvement of the depressive disorder.
Serotonin is tied to cognitive performance and creativity. Prozac is known to increase the effect of serotonin in the brain, which in the long term can result in creative thinking and better cognitive and brainstorming abilities.
This can especially benefit artists, writers, poets and other individuals who depend primarily on their ability to access and express their emotions through creative work (1).
Emotional dampening effect
Some individuals have seen emotional blunting effects on artistic expression. This can be due to their illness and diminished energy, tiredness or sleepiness that comes along with antidepressant use.
Prozac may also cause anxiety at the start of treatment. These side effects can cause decreased motivation to think creatively and in turn result in decreased productivity.
Please keep in mind that each individual is different and will react differently to a medication. So you should consult your doctor if you find Prozac to be causing problems with your creative capacity.
What does research suggest?
Research has shown Prozac to be associated with improved cognitive function and better emotional access in patients taking this medication for the treatment of depression (1).
Another study also linked improved creative abilities, brainstorming and cognitive function with the use of Prozac in individuals with mental illnesses (2).
One study has also reported mixed effects. It reports that the effects of Prozac and related SSRIs increase creative productivity by making the individual indifferent to others’ opinions. This study also reports that SSRIs can also reduce goal-oriented motivation and productivity (3).
Another study has reported the effects of Fluoxetine to be related to decreased motivation, productivity and social functioning due to side effects of the medication. Individuals on Fluoxetine monotherapy were most likely to see such effects (4).
What alternative treatment options are available if Prozac affects creativity?
There have been alternative treatments and coping strategies which can be used in individuals who report a decrease in motivation or creativity when using Prozac or other related medications. Some of the options are as follows(3):
- Cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT) – CBT helps individuals manage symptoms of depression and increase cognitive functioning.
- Bupropion – Some doctors may prescribe bupropion as an alternative because it preserves and raises goal-related motivation and productivity.
- Lamotrigine – This medication can be used as an alternative to SSRIs in individuals who may suffer from depression which is on the bipolar spectrum.
- Mirtazapine – This medication can be prescribed to tackle depression and also preserve goal-related motivation.
Keep in mind that each person may have different depression symptoms and different reactions to Prozac. Your healthcare provider will assess the risks and benefits of Prozac treatment and then prescribe you the medication.
If you do feel Prozac is affecting your motivation and productivity you need to consult your healthcare provider for professional advice and alternative treatment where possible.
Conclusion
In this article, we answered the question “Does Prozac affect creativity?”. We also discussed how Prozac can affect creative thinking and what other alternatives are available for you if potential negative effects are disrupting your creative abilities.
Was this helpful?
References
1.-
Jaykaran, Bhardwaj P, Kantharia ND, Yadav P, Panwar A. Effect of fluoxetine on some cognitive functions of patients of depression. Indian J Psychol Med. 2009 Jan;31(1):24-9. doi: 10.4103/0253-7176.53311. PMID: 21938087; PMCID: PMC3168075. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168075/
2.-
Humphrey D. Is Drug Use the Key to Creativity? A look at Psychotropic, Legal, and, Illegal Drugs. Psychology Student Research Journal. 2012;24. https://scholarworks.lib.csusb.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1001&context=psr-journal#page=27
3.-
Flaherty AW. Brain illness and creativity: mechanisms and treatment risks. The Canadian Journal of Psychiatry. 2011 Mar;56(3):132-43. https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epdf/10.1177/070674371105600303
4.-
Venditti LN, Arcelus A, Birnbaum H, Greenberg P, Barr CE, Rowland C, Williamson T. The impact of antidepressant use on social functioning: reboxetine versus fluoxetine. International clinical psychopharmacology. 2000 Sep 1;15(5):279-89. https://journals.lww.com/intclinpsychopharm/abstract/2000/15050/the_impact_of_antidepressant_use_on_social.5.asp
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