Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) are the most widely used antidepressants. They can help with moderate to severe depressive symptoms, are generally safe, and have fewer adverse effects than other medications.
Furthermore, the National Alliance on Mental Disease (NAMI) estimates that roughly 1 in 5 adults and 1 in 6 kids (ages 6 to 17) in the United States suffer from mental illness every year. So, if you’re suffering from a mental illness such as depression, you’re never alone.
What Exactly Are Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)?
Since they are beneficial for the general public and have fewer adverse effects, SSRIs are the first-line cure for depression and some other mental health issues. SSRIs work by raising serotonin levels in the brain, which helps patients manage illnesses like depression. While there is no conclusive solution, decreased serotonin is believed to be involved in depression, according to the consensus.
How Do Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) Work?
SSRIs are antidepressants that work by boosting serotonin levels in the brain. It is a signaling molecule (neurotransmitter) that transmits impulses between nerve cells in the brain (neurons). SSRIs prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed (reuptake) into neurons.
This increases the amount of serotonin accessible, which improves message delivery between neurons. The selective nature of SSRIs comes from the fact that they only impact serotonin and not other neurotransmitters. Anxiety disorders, for example, maybe treated with SSRIs in addition to depression.
What Are The SSRIs Approved Medications?
These SSRIs have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to relieve the symptoms of depression.
- Escitalopram
- Paroxetine
- Citalopram
- Sertraline
- Fluoxetine
Precautions And Possible Adverse Effects
Although some individuals may not have any adverse effects, all SSRIs are thought to function in a similar fashion and can induce comparable side effects. Many adverse symptoms may fade within a few weeks of therapy, while others may prompt you and your doctor to switch medications.
Because SSRIs differ in their potency at inhibiting serotonin reuptake and how rapidly the body removes (metabolizes) the drug, if you can’t take one, you might be able to tolerate another. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) may cause the following adverse effects, among others:
- Drowsiness
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Vomiting or nausea
- Insomnia
- Dry mouth
- Dizziness
- Agitation, restlessness, and nervousness
- Sexual issues
- Appetite problems
If you take your prescription with food, you may experience less nausea. You can also lessen the effect of nausea by consuming your medication at night, as long as it doesn’t prohibit you from resting.
