Does Prozac cause brain damage? (3+ findings)
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
This article will explain whether Prozac can cause brain damage or not, research studies of the neurotoxic effects of Prozac on the brain, the effects of Prozac on cognitive functions, and what is the appropriate action if you experience brain damage while taking Prozac.
Does Prozac cause brain damage?
Prozac can cause brain damage. Concerns have been raised by certain studies on the possibility of brain damage from the long-term use of Prozac.
According to certain research, there is proof that SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) such as Prozac can alter the white matter structure in the brain during adulthood. The white matter is in charge of focus and learning. (1)
It is important to remember that Prozac’s side effects should be evaluated against any potential advantages. Consulting your healthcare provider about taking Prozac is crucial so that they can assess your situation properly and take the appropriate action.
What does research suggest?
Based on research studies, the long-term effects of chronic exposure to fluoxetine (more than 40 days on fluoxetine treatment) on gene expression related to the formation of myelin sheath in the rat hippocampus (a brain structure that plays a key role in enhancing your memory and learning abilities) were investigated.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in controlling cell differentiation and proliferation in the brain such as neuronal expansion and migration throughout the early stages of brain formation.
Fluoxetine is an SSRI antidepressant that is ideally taken in the morning. Exposure to SSRIs during brain development has been shown to disrupt the synthesis of the brain’s myelin sheath.
Additionally, there is proof that taking SSRIs for long-term use can alter the structure of the brain’s white matter and can impact the formation of neurons in the hippocampus of the brain.
The findings of this study suggest that long-term fluoxetine use in adults and neonates alters the expression of genes related to myelination in the hippocampus of the brain. This can result in brain damage and impairment in learning and memory. (1)
What are the effects of Prozac on cognitive functions?
Prozac can have varying effects on cognitive function depending on the patients and the duration of treatment.
According to several studies and research, using Prozac for an extended period of time may improve your skills, memory, and attention. (2)
On the other hand, some research has also discovered that prolonged Prozac usage may be linked to modifications in the structure and function of the brain, which may eventually have an effect on cognitive ability. Further studies are required because these impacts are not fully understood. (1)
Other research studies suggest that individuals who are new to taking antidepressants such as SSRIs can develop cognitive dysfunction in the first weeks of taking Prozac. However, it differs from person to person, and these effects might fade away after adjusting the drug dose or adapting to the medication. (3)
What should you do if taking Prozac causes brain damage?
The first thing you should do if you experience brain damage-related symptoms is to get help right away and seek medical attention.
Brain injury or damage is a dangerous and intricate medical condition that needs to be evaluated by a healthcare specialist as soon as possible.
It is crucial to let your healthcare provider know about any novel or strange symptoms you’re having. Your physician will assess your situation and take the appropriate action.
In order to examine if your symptoms improve, your healthcare provider may decide to lower your dosage or replace your medication with one that has fewer side effects and is more tolerable for you.
Conclusion.
My research and knowledge indicate that long-term usage of Prozac may result in brain damage. Seeking immediate medical assistance is the first thing you should do if you encounter brain damage symptoms while taking Prozac. Once your healthcare provider has thoroughly evaluated your situation and performed the necessary tests, they will decide on the best course of action for your treatment.
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References
1.-
Kroeze Y, Peeters D, Boulle F, van den Hove DLA, van Bokhoven H, Zhou H, et al. Long-term consequences of chronic fluoxetine exposure on the expression of myelination-related genes in the rat hippocampus. Translational Psychiatry [Internet]. 2015 Sep 1;5(9):e642. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5068807/
2.-
Jaykaran, Bhardwaj P, Kantharia ND, Yadav P, Panwar A. Effect of Fluoxetine on Some Cognitive Functions of Patients of Depression. Indian Journal of Psychological Medicine [Internet]. 2009;31(1):24–9. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3168075/
3.-
Sayyah M, Eslami K, AlaiShehni S, Kouti L. Cognitive Function before and during Treatment with Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors in Patients with Depression or Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder. Psychiatry Journal. 2016;2016:1–4. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5002481/
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