The Benefits and Risks of SSRIs...

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Medically reviewed by Dakari Quimby, PhDMedically reviewed by Dakari Quimby, PhDSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of antidepressant medications that treat mental health conditions like depression and anxiety. These medications work by increasing the amount of serotonin (a chemical that regulates mood and sleep) in your brain. SSRIs are generally considered safe and effective. However, you'll need a prescription, typically in the form of oral pills, tablets, or liquid solutions. What Do SSRIs Do?Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase serotonin in the brain. Serotonin (sometimes called the "happy hormone") is a brain chemical that regulates several functions, such as mood, sleep, appetite, and digestion. It also helps promote a sense of relaxation and overall well-being.Low levels of serotonin in the brain are linked with an increased risk of depression, a mental health condition that causes prolonged feelings of sadness, worry, hopelessness, and fatigue. Because SSRIs can increase serotonin in the brain, these antidepressant medications are often an effective treatment for depression. However, SSRIs are also approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat additional mental health conditions, such as: Anxiety Bulimia nervosa (BN)Bipolar disorder (BD)Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)Panic disorder (PD)Premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD)Social anxiety disorder (SAD)Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)If you're living with any of the above conditions and think antidepressants may help you improve your symptoms, talk to your healthcare provider, as SSRIs require a prescription. It may take up to six weeks to notice the benefits of taking an SSRI. However, most people who take SSRIs use them for six months or longer. Additional UsesHealthcare providers may use SSRIs to treat additional health conditions not covered by the FDA approval. This is known as off-label use. SSRIs may improve symptoms of other conditions, such as:Eating disordersBody dysmorphic disorder (BDD)FibromyalgiaAutism spectrum disorder (ASD)Raynaud’s syndrome Types of SSRIsThere are several different types of SSRIs, and they all work by preventing the reabsorption of serotonin in the brain. Should you need an SSRI, common medications include:Celexa (citalopram)Lexapro (escitalopram)Zoloft (sertraline)Prozac (fluoxetine)Paxil (paroxetine)Luvox (fluvoxamine)Viibryd (vilazodone) How To Take SSRIsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are available in oral form only. They come as tablets, pills, or liquid solutions. SSRIs are not available in other forms, such as intravenously (in the veins), intramuscularly (in the muscles), inhaled (in the nose), or topically (on the skin).If you're taking an antidepressant, the typical dose is once daily, usually in the morning or at night. Most SSRIs can be taken with or without food. But if you have a prescription for Viibryd (vilazodone), plan to take it with a meal or snack because it may cause stomach pain. Potential Side EffectsSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have relatively few side effects. They're also usually better tolerated than other types of antidepressants like serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). However, some side effects are possible and may include:Sleep disturbancesWeight changesSexual dysfunctionAnxietyDizzinessHeadachesUpset stomachDry mouth Side Effects in Young People Looking For Support?In 2004, the FDA issued a black box warning for antidepressant medications, including SSRIs. This group of drugs may cause an increased risk of suicidal ideation in children, adolescents, and young adults up to age 25. Suicidal ideation refers to thoughts of self-harm and suicide. This complication is rare, and most people with depression benefit from SSRIs. However, healthcare providers and caregivers should monitor young people taking SSRIs closely. Should you or a loved one need support, please call or text the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for free and confidential support 24/7 or visit SpeakingOfSuicide.com/resources for a list of additional resources.
Other ConsiderationsIf you and your healthcare provider decide that antidepressants are a good option for you, it's important to take some things into consideration before starting treatment.Effects on PregnancyPeople who are pregnant, breastfeeding, or considering pregnancy should talk with their healthcare providers about the possible risks of SSRIs. Paxil (paroxetine) is not safe during pregnancy because it can cause heart defects in the fetus when taken in the first trimester. Prolonged QT IntervalCertain SSRIs may cause a prolonged QT interval. This type of arrhythmia (irregular heartbeat) occurs when the heart takes longer to recharge between beats. This is a serious condition that could lead to a fatal arrhythmia.Specifically, Celexa (citalopram) may cause a prolonged QT interval. Before starting the medication, your healthcare provider may recommend assessing your heart health with an electrocardiogram (EKG) test. Serotonin SyndromeSSRIs increase the amount of available serotonin in the brain. When serotonin levels rise too much, it can lead to serotonin syndrome. Serotonin syndrome is a serious condition that occurs when there is too much serotonin in the brain. Symptoms of serotonin syndrome can vary in severity and may include:Mild: Nervousness, nausea, vomiting, and diarrheaModerate: Agitation, restlessness, muscle spasms, sweating, and shiveringSevere: Confusion, rapid heart rate, high blood pressure, high body temperature, seizures, and fainting SSRIs are safe and well-tolerated in most people. However, anyone taking an SSRI with another medication that increases serotonin levels may be at a higher risk of experiencing serotonin syndrome. Talk with your healthcare provider about your risk and ask if your medications need to be adjusted.When To Contact Your Healthcare ProviderBefore you start taking an SSRI, call or meet with your healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you have. It's also important to not stop taking an SSRI without discussing it with your provider first. Abruptly stopping medication can lead to several side effects and withdrawal symptoms.If you develop any new symptoms or side effects with an SSRI, it's also a good idea to contact your provider. Some side effects, like sleep disturbances and sexual dysfunction, are treatable. If your side effects do not improve, your provider may recommend trying a different SSRI. Some situations may warrant immediate medical attention. If you experience any of the following symptoms while taking an SSRI, seek support from your hospital's emergency department or a local urgent care:Thoughts of suicide or self-harmIrregular heartbeatAgitation or confusion Muscle spasmsSweating or shivering A Quick ReviewSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that treat depression and other mental health conditions like anxiety, OCD, and PTSD. These medications help increase serotonin in the brain, a chemical that helps regulate mood, among other functions.If you're experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition, talk to your provider about taking antidepressants. While side effects like sleep disturbances and headaches are possible, SSRIs are usually safe and effective. For more Health.com news, make sure to sign up for our newsletter! Read the original article on Health.com.

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