Does Prozac affect memory? (3+ evidences)
By
Dr Maryam Shabbir (PhD)
| Reviewed by
Ivan Kahwa
The contents of this article are fact-based except otherwise stated within the article.
Author bio
Dr Maryam Shabbir PhD is a pharmacist with expertise in drugs delivery, pharmacology, dosage form design, transdermal drug delivery system, microneedles, and solubility enhancement. She writes and reviews content on these topics.
Dr Maryam Shabbir’s Highlights:
Assistant Professor at The University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan.
PhD in Pharmaceutics with a focus on solubility enhancement of BCS class II and III drugs and their delivery through transdermal route using microneedles.
Doctor of Pharmacy at the University of Lahore with a two-year scholarship.
Professional Experience:
Dr Maryam Shabbir joined Faculty of Pharmacy, The University of Lahore as soon as she completed her Pharm-D in 2010. In 2017, she got promoted as an assistant professor.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has supervised twenty two M.Phil. students in pharmaceutics in areas such as transdermal drug delivery system, nanoparticles, microparticle, solid dispersion, and transdermal patches.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has also contributed to several business consultancies and research projects, including the development of lyophilized wafer of Acyclovir with Medisearch Pharmacal Pvt. Ltd., a major pharmaceutical industry in Pakistan.She has also worked as a team member in one of the Contract Research Organizations of Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has organized two International conferences and three national conferences as conference secretary for the University of Lahore in collaboration with Punjab Higher Education Commission of Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir has submitted two patents to the Intellectual Property Organization of Pakistan (IPO), and three patents are in pipeline. She has also presented her work in different exhibitions organized by the Higher Education Commission of Pakistan. She works in close liaison with the Innovation Hub, University of Lahore, Pakistan.
Dr Maryam Shabbir participated as a member of the examination board for several Master’s exams and as an external examiner for Pharm-D in reputable universities of Pakistan. She is also a member of Punjab Pharmacy Council and Pakistan Pharmacist Association.
Education:
2010 Pharm D at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
2013 Master of Philosophy (Pharmaceutics) at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
2022 PhD (Pharmaceutics) at the University of Lahore, Lahore, Pakistan
The main publications of Dr. Maryam Shabbir are:
Saeed S, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Shabbir M, Anjum I, Badshah SF, et al. Flexible Topical Hydrogel Patch Loaded with Antimicrobial Drug for Accelerated Wound Healing. Gels. 2023;9(7):567.
Arshad J, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Badshah SF, Ahmad Z, Anjum I, Shabbir M, et al. Preparation and characterization of polymeric cross-linked hydrogel patch for topical delivery of gentamicin. e-Polymers. 2023;23(1):20230045.
Arshad J, Barkat K, Ashraf MU, Badshah SF, Ahmad Z, Anjum I, Shabbir M, Mehmood Y, Khalid I, Malik NS, Bin Jardan YAl. Fabrication of pH responsive hydrogel blends of chondroitin sulfate/pluronic F-127 for the controlled release of ketorolac: its characterization and acute oral toxicity study. Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy. 2022;48(11):611-22.
Maher S, Shabbir M, Anam I, Khan N, Iqbal S, Saleem F. Anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant activities of methanolic extract of medicinal plants from Balochistan. Int J Biol Biotechnol. 2020;15:691-7.
Shabbir M, Sajid A, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Raza M, et al. Influence of different formulation variables on the performance of transdermal drug delivery system containing tizanidine hydrochloride: in vitro and ex vivo evaluations. Brazilian Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2019;54:e00130.
Nagra U, Adnan S, Shafqat S, Shabbir M, Ali S, Zafar A, et al. Effect of Sustained Release Polymers on Drug Release Profile of Aceclofenac Tablets Physicochemical Properties, Analysis of Kinetics and Fit Factor. Indian J Pharm Educ Res. 2019;53:58-65.
Fatima S, Akhtar MF, Ashraf KM, Sharif A, Saleem A, Akhtar B, Peerzada S, Shabbir M, Ali S, Ashraf W, Antioxidant and alpha amylase inhibitory activities of Fumaria officinalis and its antidiabetic potential against alloxan induced diabetes. Cellular and molecular biology (Noisy-le-Grand, France). 2019;65(2):50-7.
Saeed S, Raza M, Shabbir M, Akhtar MF, Sharif A, Zaman M, et al. Study of Multi-Drug Resistance Associated with Anti-Tuberculosis Treatment by DOT Implementation Strategy in Pakistan. Journal of Basic & Applied Sciences. 2018;14:107-12.
Arshad I, Ali S, Amin U, Shabbir M, Raza M, Sharif A, et al. Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer on the release of ketoprofen and allopurinol from bilayer matrix transdermal patch. Advances in Polymer Technology. 2018;37(8):3076-83.
Sohail K, Javaid Z, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Raza M, Ali S, Shabbir M, Peerzada S, Ahmad S. Formulation and evaluation of ranitidine floating tablets using different polymer combinations. Journal of Toxicological &Pharmaceutical Sciences. 2017;1(1):18-25.
Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Akhtar B, Saleem A, Manan M, Shabbir M, et al. Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of whole plant extracts of Kalanchoe laciniata by Ames and MTT assay. EXCLI journal. 2017;16:593.
Shahid N, Adnan S, Farooq M, Ali S, Shabbir M, Masood Z, et al. Development of compressed coated polypill with mucoadhesive core comprising of atorvastatin/clopidogrel/aspirin using compression coating technique. Acta Poloniae Pharmaceutica. 2017;74(2):477-87.
Shabbir M, Fazli AR, Ali S, Raza M, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, et al. Effect of hydrophilic and hydrophobic polymer on in vitro dissolution and permeation of bisoprolol fumarate through transdermal patch. Acta Pol Pharm. 2017;74:187-97.
Saba Mazhar NS, Raza M, Akhtar B, Zahra A, Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Chishti SA, Shabbir M, Sharif A. A descriptive study of Measles outbreak in Lahore, Pakistan in 2013. J Toxicol Pharmaceut Sci. 2017;1(1):26-30.
Manzoor I, Raza M, Shabbir M, Ali S, Akhtar MF, Peerzada S, et al. Formulation and characterization of curcumin nanoparticles prepared from eudragit L-100 and poly vinyl alcohol as polymer. J Toxicol Pharmaceut Sci. 2017;1(1):7-12.
Akhtar MF, Sharif A, Saleem M, Saleem A, Akhtar B, Raza M, Ijaz H, Shabbir M, Ali S, Nasim MB, Peerzada S. Genotoxic and cytotoxic potential of Alternanthera Bettzickiana, an important ethno-medicinal plant. Cellular and Molecular Biology. 2017;63(8):109-14.
Ahmed S, Saeed-Ul-Hassan S, Islam M, Qureshi F, Waheed I, Munawar I, Ishtiaq S, Rasool S, Akhtar MF, Chishti SA, Shabbir M. Anti-oxidant activity of Pistachia khinjuk supported by phytochemical investigation. Acta Pol Pharm. 2017;74(1):173-8.
Shahid N, Ali S, Shabbir M, Waqar K. Compressed coated polypill with mucoadhesive core for cardiovascular disease-A review. The Pharma Innovation. 2016;4(3, Part B).
Shabbir M, Ali S, Farooq M, Adnan S, Yousaf M, Idrees A, et al. Formulation factors affecting in vitro and ex vivo permeation of bisoprolol fumarate from a matrix transdermal patch. Advances in Polymer Technology. 2016;35(3):237-47.
Mehmood A, Hamid I, Sharif A, Akhtar MF, Akhtar B, Saleem A, Shabbir M, et al. Evaluation of anti-inflammatory, analgesic and antipyretic activities of aqueous and ethanolic extracts of seeds of Buchanania lanzan Spreng. In animal models. Acta poloniae pharmaceutica. 2016;73(6):1601-8.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Shahid N, Amin U, Hamid I, Raza M. Effect of Polysorbate 80 Through Rabbit’s Skin Using Transdermal Patch Loaded with Bisoprolol Fumarate as Model Drug. Pakistan J Zool. 2016;48(1):227-34.
Akhtar MF, Saleem A, Sharif A, Akhtar B, Nasim MB, Peerzada S, Raza M, Ijaz H, Ahmed S, Shabbir M, Ali S. Genotoxic and cytotoxic action potential of Terminalia citrina, a medicinal plant of ethnopharmacological significance. EXCLI journal. 2016;15:589.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Shahid N. The Structure of Skin and Transdermal Drug Delivery System-A Review. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2015;8(2):103-9.
Shabbir M, Ali S, Shahid N, Rehman K, Amin U, Raza M. Formulation considerations and factors affecting transdermal drug delivery system-A review. International Journal of Pharmacy and Integrated Life Sciences. 2014;2(9):20-35.
Ali S, Shabbir M, Farooq M, Adnan S, Shahid N. The enhancement effect of permeation enhancers on Bisoprolol fumarate across animal membrane using Franz diffusion cell. Research Journal of Pharmacy and Technology. 2014;7(12):1391-5.
Conference papers
Shabbir M (2022), Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs): A Policy Gap between Health and Pharmaceutical Industry. In International Social Science Conference 2022 (School of International Social Sciences, University of Lahore).
Shabbir M (2022), Controlling Permeation of Ketoprofen and Allopurinol through Bilayer Transdermal Patch using Multiple Pharmaceutical Ingredients. In Current Advancement in Pharmacy Practice (CAPP)- Theory to Practice (University of Lahore, Lahore)
Shabbir M (2018), Nanocarriers Mediated Photodynamic Therapy for the Treatment of Different Cancers. In the 4th Annual International Pharmacy Scientific Symposium and Poster Exhibition-2018 (University of Central Punjab, Lahore).
Shabbir M (2018), Lipid Enveloped Polymeric Nanoparticles for Targeted Photodynamic Chemotherapy. In the 3rd International Health Trigon Summit-2018 (University of Lahore).
You can view some of Dr Maryam’s work below and links to her professional profile.
Publon Profile: publons.com/researcher/1495244/maryam-shabbir
ORCID: 0000-0002-9308-5175
Researchgate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Maryam-Shabbir-4
Google Scholar: Maryam Shabbir – Google Scholar
Linkedin Profile: https://www.linkedin.com/in/maryam-shabbir-b409a270
Reviewer bio
Mr Ivan Kahwa is a chemist and phytopharmaceutical scientist with expertise in chemistry, pharmacology, phytochemistry, and Nanobiotechnology. He writes and reviews content on these topics.
Mr Ivan Kahwa’s Highlights:
Guest Researcher at the University of Leipzig, Senior Research Fellow/Scientist, and Lecturer at the Department of Pharmacy, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Professional Experience:
Mr Ivan joined PHARMBIOTRAC as a research fellow/scientist during his master of science tenure. He contributed to the development of most of the phytopharmaceutical products in the project. Furthermore, he participated in carrying out the pharmacological activities of the developed products in laboratory animals such as mice and rats in order to develop proper doses hence leading to pre-clinical studies.
With the above relevant research experience, Ivan started to work with the University of Leipzig on collaborative projects with Mbarara University to develop the chemistry of Ugandan Medicinal plants and their pharmacological activities. This was coupled with several consultative positions by different German NGOs. Mr. Kahwa is also a supporting in the teaching and learning at the Departments of Pharmacy and Pharmaceutical Sciences, Faculty of Medicine, Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
With the increase in antimicrobial resistance globally, Ivan retooled his thinking towards developing new naturally derived antibiotic regimens from Ugandan propolis with the assistance of nanotechnology to improve their delivery to microbial cells. Kahwa has also published over 28 articles in peer-reviewed journals and he is currently reviewing for many journals.
Education:
2023-2027: PhD in Pharmaceutical Sciences (ongoing) with a focus on Pharmaceutical Microbiology and Nanobiology at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2022: 2Msc. in Pharmacognosy and Natural Medicine Science at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
2018: Bachelor of Science (Chemistry) at Mbarara University of Science and Technology.
Publications:
▪ Iqbal, S., Jabeen, F., Kahwa, I., & Omara, T. 2023. Suberosin Alleviates Thiazolidinedione-Induced Cardiomyopathy in Diabetic Rats by Inhibiting Ferroptosis via Modulation of ACSL4-LPCAT3 and PI3K-AKT Signaling Pathways. Cardiovascular Toxicology. https://doi.org/10.1007/s12012-023-09804-7
▪ Gupta, A. K., Yadav, R., Sharma, S., Sawale, J., & Kahwa, I. 2023. Anti-ageing Activity and Antioxidant Activity of Methanol Extracts of Leaves and Flowers of Salvia officinalis and Rosmarinus officinalis. Journal of Young Pharmacists, 15(3), 448–455. https://doi.org/10.5530/jyp.2023.15.60
▪ Tolo, C.U., Kahwa, I., Nuwagira, U., Weisheit, A. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Medicinal plants used in treatment of various diseases in the Rwenzori Region, Western Uganda. Ethnobotany Research and Applications, 25, pp.1-16.
https://ethnobotanyjournal.org/index.php/era/article/view/4683
▪ Kahwa, I., Ajayi, C.O., Yadav, R., Chauhan, N.S., Shah, K., Abdelgadir, A.A., Shegena, E.A., Daniel, S., Omara, T., Asiimwe, J.B. and Ikiriza, H., 2023. Pharmacognostic and phytochemical studies as an invaluable approach for correct identification of medicinal plants: The case of Artemisia vulgaris L. substituted for Artemisia annua L. in Western Uganda. TMR Integr Med, 7, p.e23004.
https://doi.org/10.53388/TMRIM202307004
▪ Nalimu, F., Oloro, J., Kahwa, I. and Ogwang, P.E., 2021. Review on the phytochemistry and toxicological profiles of Aloe vera and Aloe ferox. Future Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences, 7, pp.1-21.
https://doi.org/10.1186/s43094-021-00296-2
▪ Elamin, O.H.S., Ali, M.A., Elgezuli, I.A.A., Bashir, M.A. and Kahwa, I., 2021. Diagnosis of pre-and post-treatment of echinococcus granulosus with counter current immune electrophoresis and bacterial co-agglutination. Journal of Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, 11(02), pp.88-94.
https://doi.org/10.5799/jmid.951600
Published book Chapter
▪ Kahwa, I., Ayesiga, I., Nakalema, S., Alinaiswe, R., Mbabazi, R. and Iqbal, S., 2023. Natural products in the management of onchocerciasis. In Natural Products in Vector-Borne Disease Management (pp. 63-80). Academic Press. Book Chapter.
https://doi.org/10.1016/B978-0-323-91942-5.00012-4
Submitted manuscripts Under Review:
▪ Comparison of the Wound Healing Activity of the Leaf and Leaf Ash Extracts of Vernonia amygdalina in Rats. Journal name: Clinical Phytoscience
▪ Ethnobotanical Survey of Medicinal plants used in the management of cancer in Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Herbal Medicine
▪ Ethnobotanical survey and phytochemical screening of medicinal plants used in treatment of epilepsy by PROMETRA-Uganda Traditional Health Practitioners in Mpigi District, Uganda. Journal name: Journal of Ethnopharmacology
Submitted book chapters under review
1.Book title: Algae as a Natural Solution for Water-Food-Energy Nexus, Section 4: Microalgae and cyanobacteria for food applications, Chapter 4.6: Safety, toxicological and allergenic aspects of using algae for food. Authors: Christine Kyarimpa, Tom Omute, Caroline K. Nakiguli, Alice V. Khanakwa4, Christopher Angiro, Ivan Kahwa, Fortunate Ahumuza, Timothy Omara*. Publisher: Springer Nature Singapore Pte Ltd. 152 Beach Road, #21-01/04 Gateway East, Singapore 189721, Singapore.
2.Book title: Nutraceuticals Inspiring the Contemporary Therapy for Lifestyle Diseases. Chapter: Nutraceutical applications of Seaweeds and their Phytocompounds in Nutrition and Treatment of Diseases. Authors: Ivan Kahwa, Timothy Omara , Innocent Ayesiga , Gael Noel Neh Neba Ambe , Zehbanaz Javidbhai Panwala , Rachel Mbabazi , Shabnoor Iqbal , Christine Kyarimpa , Christine Betty Nagawa , Kamal Shah ,Nagendra Singh Chauhan* Publisher: CRC Press
You can view my works on the following professional sites:
Research Gate: https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Ivan-Kahwa
Google Scholar: https://scholar.google.com/citations?user=tOwrvqoAAAAJ&hl=en
ORCID: https://orcid.org/0000-0002-6440-3437
Linkedin: https://de.linkedin.com/in/ivan-kahwa-865450159
In this article, we will discuss whether the use of Prozac affects memory or not. Prozac (fluoxetine) is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which means it acts by preventing serotonin reabsorption in the brain. This aids in mood regulation and alleviates symptoms of depression and anxiety.
Does Prozac affect memory?
Yes, Prozac can affect memory. It depends on whether you are taking the prescribed drug or are in a state of withdrawal. Some studies suggest that Prozac improves memory and learning during treatment, while other studies suggest that you might experience changed memory when you stop taking Prozac.
Studies have shown that Prozac increases memory recall in patients suffering from depression. This improvement could be attributed to the drug’s ability to alleviate depression, which impairs cognitive functioning.
There is evidence that Prozac can lower anxiety and stress levels, which can improve memory indirectly. Prozac has also been shown in studies to increase memory recall in patients suffering from depression. This improvement can be attributed to the drug’s ability to alleviate depression symptoms, which can impair cognitive functioning.
What does the research suggest about memory improvement?
In clinical research, Prozac has been reported to reduce matrix metalloprotease activation and reduce blood-spinal cord barrier (BSCB) disruption after spinal cord injury. This decreases the transitory global ischemia-induced hippocampus cell death and memory impairment by preventing blood-brain barrier (BBB) disruption (1).
In another study, it was established that 5-fluorouracil impairs both cell proliferation and hippocampal-dependent working memory, although these deficiencies were repaired by co-administration of Prozac. It was also established that Prozac itself did not influence the proliferation or behaviour on its own (2).
Prozac has also been shown to be effective in the memory and learning impairment associated with temporal lobe epilepsy (TLE). However, the authors stressed further research to determine whether Prozac can address an unmet therapeutic need in TLE patients (3).
Another trial compared the improvement in memory tasks performed by major depressive patients receiving treatment with either Prozac or Deprexan (selective nonadrenergic tricyclic antidepressant) during an acute episode.
While depression scores improved similarly in all groups, the researchers discovered that only patients receiving Prozac showed a substantial improvement in memory task performance after 6 weeks of starting treatment (4).
What does the research suggest about memory loss?
In one of the in vivo studies on rats, researchers reported that the repetitive administration of Prozac demonstrated normal learning and short-term memory (1 hour post-learning). However, depending on the task, either recent (24 hours) or remote (17 days) memories were impaired. Surprisingly, following 6 weeks of Prozac cessation, the spatial memory impairment spontaneously reversed (5).
The behavioural data show that chronic Prozac administration specifically impacts the formation or the storage of enduring memories, and the long-term effects of Prozac are likely related to processes in which cortical areas play a major role (5).
One of the clinical cases reports severe reversible memory deterioration and loss in an elderly patient taking Prozac. After Prozac was discontinued from her regimen, the subject’s memory improved significantly over the next 2 months (6).
Memory impairment is also connected with hyponatremia which is one of the side effects of Prozac. Patients who exhibit symptoms of hyponatremia may benefit from stopping Prozac, and appropriate medical care should be provided.
What happens if Prozac is suddenly discontinued?
Prozac’s abrupt withdrawal or discontinuation can cause a variety of psychological conditions including anxiety, depersonalization, psychomotor agitation, heart palpitations, and memory problems (7). The rapid changes in serotonin levels in the brain that occur after stopping antidepressants may be the source of these symptoms.
What factors influence memory impairment while taking Prozac?
Some of the factors affecting memory impairment while taking Prozac include:
- Alcohol and drug abuse,
- sleep deprivation,
- head injuries,
- heavy cigarette smoking,
- vitamin B12 deficiency,
- old age,
- illness such as Alzheimer’s disease, and
- medications like opioids.
What to do if Prozac causes memory impairment?
If Prozac impairs memory, directly or indirectly, it should be immediately discussed with the healthcare provider. Prozac is a good antidepressant, but it might not suit everyone. The healthcare provider will examine the current symptoms and alter the dosage regimen.
Discontinuing Prozac on the recommendation of a healthcare provider and slowly tapering it off can prevent these withdrawal symptoms. Also, if the patient suffers from memory loss due to Prozac, its discontinuation would lead to the reversibility of such conditions and restore memory after a few weeks or months.
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References
1.-
Lee JY, Kang SR, Yune TY. Fluoxetine prevents oligodendrocyte cell death by inhibiting microglia activation after spinal cord injury. Journal of neurotrauma. 2015 May 1;32(9):633-44. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4410451/
2.-
ELBeltagy M, Mustafa S, Umka J, Lyons L, Salman A, Tu CY, Bhalla N, Bennett G, Wigmore PM. Fluoxetine improves the memory deficits caused by the chemotherapy agent 5-fluorouracil. Behavioural brain research. 2010 Mar 17;208(1):112-7. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0166432809006822
3.-
Drew CJ, Postans M, Petralia C, McNamara R, Pallmann P, Gillespie D, Evans LH, Muhlert N, Winter M, Hamandi K, Gray WP. A protocol for a randomised controlled, double-blind feasibility trial investigating fluoxetine treatment in improving memory and learning impairments in patients with mesial temporal lobe epilepsy: Fluoxetine, Learning and Memory in Epilepsy (FLAME trial). Pilot and Feasibility Studies. 2019 Dec;5:1-2. https://pilotfeasibilitystudies.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s40814-019-0474-x
4.-
Levkovitz Y, Caftori R, Avital A, Richter-Levin G. The SSRIs drug Fluoxetine, but not the noradrenergic tricyclic drug Desipramine, improves memory performance during acute major depression. Brain research bulletin. 2002 Aug 15;58(4):345-50. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0361923001007808
5.-
Ampuero E, Stehberg J, Gonzalez D, Besser N, Ferrero M, Diaz-Veliz G, Wyneken U, Rubio FJ. Repetitive fluoxetine treatment affects long-term memories but not learning. Behavioural brain research. 2013 Jun 15;247:92-100. https://repositorio.uchile.cl/bitstream/handle/2250/121859/Repetitive%20fluoxetine.pdf?sequence=1
6.-
Joss JD, Burton RM, Keller CA. Memory loss in a patient treated with fluoxetine. Annals of Pharmacotherapy. 2003 Dec;37(12):1800-3. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14632599/
7.-
Blum D, Maldonado J, Meyer E, Lansberg M. Delirium following abrupt discontinuation of fluoxetine. Clinical neurology and neurosurgery. 2008 Jan 1;110(1):69-70. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0303846707002430
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