Active ingredient: Fluoxetine

Brand Name: Prozac, Prozep, Olena, Oxactin

Drug class: Antidepressant, Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Mechanism of Action:

Fluoxetine is a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and other mood disorders.
Fluoxetine blocks the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its levels in the brain to improve mood. Additionally, SSRIs like fluoxetine are associated with increased levels of allopregnanolone, a neurosteroid synthesized from progesterone, which plays a crucial role in regulating reproductive functions

Effect on fertility biomarkers

Fluoxetine can cause hormonal imbalances, potentially leading to menstrual irregularities, vaginal dryness, and reduced libido, which may affect fertility. Ovulation: SSRIs, including fluoxetine, may interfere with ovulation by disrupting the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian axis, though this is not common.

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References:

Uzunova V, Wrynn AS, Kinnunen A, Ceci M, Kohler C and Uzunov DP (2004). Chronic antidepressants reverse cerebrocortical allopregnanolone decline in the olfactory bulbectomized rat. Eur J Pharmacol. 486(1): 31–34 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/14751405/ Jacobsen, N. W., Hansen, C. H., Nellemann, C., Styrishave, B., & Halling-Sørensen, B. (2015). Effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors on three sex steroids in two versions of the aromatase enzyme inhibition assay and in the H295R cell assay. Toxicology in Vitro, 29(8), 1720-1725 https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0887233315001666?via%3Dihub Timby E, Hedström H, Bäckström T, Sundström-Poromaa I, Nyberg S and Bixo M (2011). Allopregnanolone, a GABAA receptor agonist, decreases gonadotropin levels in women. A preliminary study. Gynecol Endocrinol Off J Int Soc Gynecol Endocrinol. 27(12): 1087–1093. DOI: 10.3109/09513590.2010.540603 https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21190418/

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Disclaimer: The information provided may not include all possible interactions or side effects of medication. The effects on fertility biomarkers can vary and may depend on the dosage, how long the medication is used, the medical condition, or other factors. This database is for informational purposes only and should not replace professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always consult your healthcare provider or a qualified health professional if you have questions about medications, fertility, or medical conditions.