Better known by its trade name Prozac®, this drug – a SELECTIVE SEROTONIN-REUPTAKE INHIBITOR (SSRI) – is widely used for the treatment of moderate and severe depression and anxiety (see MENTAL ILLNESS). Though causing fewer side-effects than TRICYCLIC ANTIDEPRESSANTS (the first such drugs widely used), SSRI drugs should be prescribed with care and should not be stopped abruptly. Unlike BENZODIAZEPINE tranquillisers, it is said not to be addictive, but there have been rare reports of it allegedly provoking people to acts of violence. The drug acts by modifying the activities of neurotransmitters, notably DOPAMINE and SEROTONIN in the brain, thus prolonging the effects of these chemical messengers. It is the only one of the SSRIs shown in trials to be of use in treating depression in children and adolescents. However, because it may be associated with a very small risk of provoking suicidal thoughts and self-harm, treated young people must be closely monitored.