Physiological and Ethological Effects of Fluoxetine, A Study Using Ants as Biological Models

Abstract

*[Using ants as biological models, we showed that fluoxetine (the active substance of the most consumed antidepressants) largely affects the individual's physiology & behavior. It increases sinuosity of movement, decreases precision of reaction & response to pheromones, decreases food consumption & brood caring, & induces aggressiveness towards nestmates while decreasing that towards aliens. Under fluoxetine consumption, ants lost their olfaction & their learning ability, having also lower cognitive ability. There is no habituation to, & no dependence on fluoxetine consumption, which effects vanish in 2 or 2-1/2 days.]