You are not alone if you are suffering from a mental health problem such as depression.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), roughly one in every five adults and one in every six kids (ages 6 to 17) in the United States suffer from mental illness each year.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of medicine that is commonly used to treat depression and a few other mental health issues.
WHAT EXACTLY ARE SSRIs
Because they are effective for the general population and have fewer adverse effects, SSRIs are used as first-line treatment for depression and a few other mental health problems.
SSRIs help people manage disorders like depression by raising serotonin levels in the brain. While there is no conclusive solution, the general belief is that low serotonin levels play a role in depression.
HOW DO SSRIs WORK?
Serotonin is one of many brain chemicals that help brain cells communicate with one another. It has been dubbed the "feel-good chemical" because to its ability to induce a calm sensation of well-being. Serotonin normally circulates in the brain before being absorbed into the bloodstream.
Serotonin deficiency is connected to depression (as well as low levels of dopamine, norepinephrine, and other brain chemicals).
SSRIs operate by blocking your blood from absorbing some of your brain's serotonin. This results in an increase in serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin elevation can aid in the treatment of depression.
However, SSRIs do not increase serotonin production in the body. They just assist the body in making better use of what it has.
While SSRIs are quite comparable in terms of efficacy, they differ slightly in terms of what they're used to treat, their side effects, dose, and other considerations.
SSRI MEDICATIONS
There are several SSRIs on the market now. These are some examples:
- fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva)
- sertraline (Zoloft)
- vilazodone (Viibryd)
- citalopram (Celexa)
- escitalopram (Lexapro)
- fluoxetine (Prozac, Sarafem)
WHAT SSRIs ARE USED TO TREAT AND HOW THEY ARE PRESCRIBED
SSRIs are frequently prescribed to treat depression. Doctors may, however, prescribe them for various illnesses, such as:
- bipolar depression
- post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)
- anxiety
- obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- generalized anxiety disorder
- panic disorder
- bulimia
SSRIs have a number of off-label applications as well. The term "off-label" refers to when a medication is prescribed to address a condition for which it was not particularly designed. Off-label applications of SSRIs include the following:
- fibromyalgia
- binge eating disorder
- body dysmorphic disorder
- autism
SIDE EFFECTS THAT COULD OCCUR
Because SSRIs have limited influence on other neurotransmitters in the brain, such as dopamine and norepinephrine, they have fewer reported adverse effects than tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), which are other antidepressant groups.
Side effects are still possible with SSRIs. Among the most common are:
- dizziness.
- dry mouth.
- headache.
- gastrointestinal problems
- reduced libido and other sexual problems
- Sleep disruptions
- Weight fluctuations
- anxiety.
It's also worth noting that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has issued a warning that antidepressants like SSRIs may raise the risk of suicidality in children and young people.
However, because depression can lead to an increase in suicidal thoughts, you should discuss this side effect with your doctor so you can assess the benefits and drawbacks of starting the drug.
RISKS
Make sure your doctor is aware of any other underlying issues you may have. People on SSRIs who have other health issues, such as epilepsy, diabetes, or kidney disease, may need to be monitored more regularly.
Certain SSRIs may potentially interact with other prescriptions you're taking, as well as supplements (such St. John's wort).
As with any underlying problems, inform your doctor about any over-the-counter medications or supplements you use on a daily basis.
FOR CHILDREN
Because there is less information on children and SSRIs than there is on adults and SSRIs, younger people should be watched for changes in mood and behavior.
FOR PREGNANT WOMEN
Certain prenatal developmental concerns, particularly heart and lung disorders, may be increased by SSRIs.
Doctors and expectant mothers must weigh the dangers of SSRI medication against the hazards of untreated depression. Depression without treatment might potentially have a harmful impact on a pregnancy. Mothers suffering from depression, for example, may fail to seek necessary prenatal treatment.
Some pregnant women may choose to change their SSRI in order to lessen the risk of side effects while still treating their depression. This is due to the fact that different SSRIs have distinct side effects.
For example, the antidepressant paroxetine (Paxil) has been related to fetal heart problems in neonates.
If you are taking paroxetine and get pregnant, your doctor may recommend that you switch to fluoxetine (Prozac) or citalopram (Celexa). These SSRIs haven't been connected to such severe adverse effects.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CONSIDER TAKING SSRIs
Antidepressants, such as SSRIs, are one technique for alleviating depression symptoms, although they are usually only one component of a therapeutic plan.
Your doctor may also recommend treatment, and if you chose to go, your therapist may have recommendations and strategies to help you, depending on the severity of your symptoms and your personal history.
When contemplating SSRIs, consider the following questions:
- Do you believe your mental health problem is interfering with your life?
- Do you get less enjoyment from the things you used to enjoy?
- Do you have problems concentrating on a regular basis?
- Have you ever used antidepressants? If so, did they assist? Were there any serious negative effects?
If you suspect you may be depressed but are unsure, there are a number of screening questionnaires that can help. A good initial step is to discuss the results with your doctor.
CONCLUSION
Make an appointment with a doctor to discuss your symptoms if you believe an SSRI may be a good option for you. They will go through your medical history with you and help you determine whether an SSRI is right for you.
You might want to ask your doctor the following questions:
- Is talk therapy a viable alternative to medicine for me?
- How long does it take for an SSRI to take effect?
- Can I discontinue my SSRI if my depression improves?
- Is an SSRI likely to cause serious adverse effects in me?
- Do I take any drugs that could cause an SSRI to interact?
- Is there any sort of drug that might be more effective for me?
It may take some time to find the right SSRI, or antidepressant in general, that works for you. The good news is that many patients find SSRIs to be effective in addressing their symptoms, allowing them to return to a more fulfilled and joyful life.
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Treatment