From: James Ganong (JGanong@webtv.net)
Date: Sun Mar 19 2000 - 07:53:28 MST
Ian Goddard has recently posted several messages concerning possible
cases of Prozac causing aggressive behavior; in these posts he's stated
that the mechanism of this aggression is the same as in PCP, quoting an
MD as saying that both drugs are SSRIs ( Selective Serotonin Reuptake
Inhibitors). This quoted party is wrong.
The error lies in that PCP is not selective
in its actions; it affects several other
neurotransmitters. Prozac acts only on the serotonergic system, hence
the term selective. As a pharmacist, I feel the need to clarify such
inaccuracies, esp. when they come from MDs (who really
aren't as familiar with drugs as you might think). Equating Prozac & PCP
because both influence serotonin is like equating Tylenol & Heroin
because both can stop a headache.
Please note, I'm not disputing that Prozac can cause aggression; I've
seen patients
have this reaction, but it's fairly rare. PCP
on the other hand is very likely to cause
aggression in any given user.
It's definitely been my experience that Prozac is prescribed too readily
by many MDs, but that simply indicates a need for better prescribing
algorithms. Prozac is the tool, the craftsman needs to use it properly.
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