Does Prozac make you hyperactive? 

Does Prozac make you hyperactive? 

Prozac can make some people hyperactive and cause over-excitation. There are several such cases reported in which people felt active, highly energetic, outdoorsy, talkative, and productive. 

Prozac is known for increasing energy levels – second to Wellbutrin – but this energy surge could be an early side effect of this medication. 

It’s good to have a high energy level and elevated mood on your antidepressant, but there’s a reason why they say, ‘Excess of everything is bad’. Some people stay sane as Prozac makes them hyperactive, but some people step into mania. 

In most cases, early hyperactivity on Prozac begins to subside as the body adjusts to this antidepressant. However, if it converts from hyperactivity to mania, you should reach out to your healthcare provider. 

What is the incidence of hyperactivity on Prozac?

The incidence of hyperactivity as a side effect of Prozac (fluoxetine) varies among individuals. According to research, this side effect is relatively uncommon.

The exact mechanism responsible for Prozac-induced hyperactivity is not fully understood, but it is believed to involve changes in serotonin levels in the brain (1,2). 

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in mood regulation, and alterations in its balance can affect various brain functions, including activity levels.

Studies have shown that in some cases, Prozac may cause a temporary increase in restlessness, agitation, insomnia, or hyperactivity, particularly during the initial stages of treatment. However, this effect tends to subside as the body adjusts to the medication.

It is important to note that the overall benefits of Prozac in treating conditions like depression or anxiety usually outweigh the potential side effects. It’s worth mentioning that everyone’s response to medication is unique, and individual experiences may vary.

What to do if Prozac causes hyperactivity? 

If you experience persistent or bothersome hyperactivity while taking Prozac, it is essential to consult your healthcare provider. Prozac-induced hyperactivity may induce mania in some individuals (3,4). 

People who have undiagnosed bipolar disorder are more susceptible to such a side effect while taking Prozac. In such cases, proper diagnosis is necessary for the safe and effective treatment of mental health conditions. 

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References

1.-

Sohel AJ, Shutter MC, Molla M. Fluoxetine. 2022 Jul 4. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2023 Jan–. PMID: 29083803. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK459223

2.-

Benfield P, Heel RC, Lewis SP. Fluoxetine. A review of its pharmacodynamic and pharmacokinetic properties, and therapeutic efficacy in depressive illness. Drugs. 1986 Dec;32(6):481-508. doi: 10.2165/00003495-198632060-00002. PMID: 2878798. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/2878798/

3.-

Venkataraman S, Naylor MW, King CA. Mania associated with fluoxetine treatment in adolescents. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry. 1992 Mar;31(2):276-81. doi: 10.1097/00004583-199203000-00015. PMID: 1564030. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/1564030/

4.-

Settle EC Jr, Settle GP. A case of mania associated with fluoxetine. Am J Psychiatry. 1984 Feb;141(2):280-1. doi: 10.1176/ajp.141.2.280. PMID: 6362443. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/6362443/

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