Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are drugs used as antidepressants to treat depression.
They have mild side effects than others, making them safer.
Therapists given counselling sessions to the patient like Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and antidepressant.
SSRIs also work for other disorders like;
- Generalized Anxiety Disorder
- Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder
- Phobias
- Panic Disorder
- Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
- Bulimia
How Do SSRIs Work?
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is responsible for our good moods and emotions.
So when we’re depressed, it is said that a decrease in serotonin levels makes us feel sad and hopeless.
SSRIs increase the serotonin levels in our brain. How does it work?
The nerve cell reabsorb (Reuptake) Serotonin when the brain receives the message
SSRIs block this reabsorption process, increasing serotonin levels and elevating our moods.
What Drugs are SSRIs?
The approved SSRIs Drugs to treat depression and other disorders are:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Remember, you should only take antidepressants under your doctor’s prescription after having a detailed examination.
The SSRIs are generally safe, but antidepressants do bring a risk of having suicidal thoughts.
The SSRIs are generally safe, but antidepressants do bring a risk of having suicidal thoughts. So when the patients use antidepressants,
we should observe them very closely to rule out any possibility of such negative thoughts.
What Are The Side Effects of SSRIs?
Every antidepressant has side effects that the patient feels during his treatment.
SSRIs are generally safer than other antidepressants and their are very minimal side effects of SSRI
They might seem a bit problematic for the first few days. Eventually, they subside as the patient gets used to the drugs.
The side effects are;
- Nausea
- Having anxiety or agitation
- Drowsiness
- Erectile dysfunction
- Reduced libido
- Symptoms related to flu
What Factors Affects SSRIs?
When you go to a doctor who prescribes an antidepressant,
you should have a detailed conversation with him. He will rule out any possibility of bigger risks as the patients shouldn’t take antidepressants in certain conditions.
When the doctor prescribes SSRIs, you should discuss the following factors with him.
Pregnancy:
The antidepressants might be harmful to the pregnant patient, as some of the antidepressants can harm the baby.
Or, if you’re trying to conceive or breastfeeding your baby, you should talk with your doctor about every side effect or risk factor.
Medication:
You should always tell your doctor what other medicines you’re taking.
Some antidepressants may have an adverse effect when the patient is on other drugs,
so the doctor should have your medical history.
Other Medical Condition:
SSRIs should not be taken if you suffer from; bipolar disorder, epilepsy, or type 1 or type 2 diabetes.
Age Group:
Age is also a factor that that be kept in mind while taking SSRIs because children and teens are not capable enough to cope with suicidal thoughts.
So it’s better to give them to adults who are better at dealing with negative thoughts.
Food and Drinks:
Alcohol and caffeinated drinks should be avoided when you’re on SSRIs.
These things with SSRIs can increase drowsiness, heart palpitations, and the patient might also experience Insomnia.
Dosage of SSRIs
SSRIs are taken in the form of tablets. Your doctor first introduces you to a lighter dose to keep you safe from bigger side effects.
Slowly and gradually, your doctor can increase the quantity.
The doctor can prescribe 1-3 tablets of SSRIs depending on the severity of your depression.
The effects won’t start showing until 2-4 weeks, so the patient should not stop taking them because of the fear that the drug is ineffective.
The antidepressants should never be stopped suddenly, even if the patient starts feeling better.
It is always a gradual process to save the patient from withdrawal symptoms like;
- Anxiousness
- Stomach ache
- Experiencing seizures
- Drowsiness
