Depression is a real illness with real causes that can be treated with a doctor's help. Many doctors believe that depression may be caused by an imbalance of a natural chemical in the body called serotonin. Serotonin helps to carry nerve impulses, or messages, across the brain. When there's an imbalance of serotonin activity, behavior and emotions can be affected. This means people do not bring depression on themselves any more than they cause their own diabetes or arthritis.

Stressful life events such as death of a loved one, divorce, job loss, loneliness, serious illness, or financial worries can trigger depression. People with close relatives who suffered from depression may be more likely to suffer from depression themselves. Depression can also strike for no apparent reason.

Depression can also be associated with the use of certain medications. Among these are some drugs for high blood pressure, arthritis, heart disease, stomach and intestinal problems, as well as tranquilizers, sedatives, sleeping pills, painkillers, oral contraceptives, antibiotics and anti-cancer drugs. Alcohol abuse can be both a symptom and a cause of depression.

Even though the above events or medications may trigger or bring on depression, the underlying cause may still be associated with a chemical imbalance. It's important to remember that depression is not a sign of personal weakness. And depression is a very treatable illness.

The first goal of treatment is to relieve the symptoms of depression that are disrupting your life. Symptom relief usually takes a few weeks, although some symptoms may improve during the first week of treatment. It may take four or more weeks to experience the full benefits of treatment with Prozac.

Be sure to discuss how you're feeling with your doctor throughout your treatment. Furthermore, you should know that the recommended length of treatment with an antidepressant is 6 to 12 months, because one of the long-term goals of treatment is to keep depression from troubling you again.

f you are prescribed Prozac for the treatment of depression, your doctor will monitor your progress and work with you to determine the appropriate length of your treatment.

Some people experience mild side effects, like nausea, difficulty sleeping, drowsiness, anxiety, nervousness, weakness, loss of appetite, tremors, dry mouth, sweating, decreased sex drive, impotence and/or yawning. These tend to go away within a few weeks of starting treatment, and usually aren't serious enough to make most people stop taking Prozac.

Call your doctor right away if, while taking Prozac, you develop a rash, which can be a sign of a serious condition.  Your doctor can discuss these and other safety matters with you in more detail

You should not take Prozac at the same time as or within two weeks of stopping medications known as MAO inhibitors. And don't take MAO inhibitors for at least five weeks after stopping Prozac.

As with any other medical treatments, be sure to tell your doctor about any other medications you're taking.  Your doctor can discuss these and other safety matters with you in more detail.