I am grateful for the guidance of Vincent Hevern, S.J., Ph.D. on this project.

This paper will discuss the anti-depressant medication Fluoxetine. Fluoxetine has recently had great media exposure with reports of enriching transformations in the quality of the lives of those who have taken the medication. This aspect of fluoxetine will be examined in detail. Also covered will be the history of the pharmaceutical industry, the biological basis for the effects of fluoxetine, personal and social ethical issues concerning the use of psychopharmaceuticals. The position of the drug in medical history, psychiatric treatment, and society will be evaluated. Fluoxetine will be shown to be a significant and controversial step in the progress of psychiatric medicine.