First of a New Generation

Prozac was introduced in the United States in 1988 by Eli Lilly pharmaceuticals. It was the first of a new generation of drugs designed to treat depression by regulating the brain’s level of serotonin, a compound that acts as a neurotransmitter--or message-carrier--for nerve cells. Prozac is considered an efficient drug because it affects only this one system in the brain.

Among the side effects of Prozac are nausea, jitteriness and changes in appetite. About one-third of those who take the drug say they experience a decrease in sex drive.

Recent drugs in the same class as Prozac include Zoloft and Paxil.