Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) or Serotonin-Specific Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI), is a class of antidepressant drugs used to treat depression and other psychological disorders like anxiety and panic attacks. SSRI antidepressant drugs are one of the modern drugs to treat depression that are popularly used today. Antidepressant drugs are commonly used along with psychotherapy to treat depression.
How SSRI Antidepressants Work
The human brain contains certain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which are responsible for change of mood. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter (chemical) that is believed to cause depression in human beings as excess absorption or uptake of serotonin leads to depression. SSRI antidepressants reduce or inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin in the brain. This results in increased serotonin levels which consequently improves a person's mood. One of the most important things to note is that antidepressants drugs are not meant to make sad people happy or to treat unhappiness in life. It is only used to treat depression as a psychological problem that characterizes the chronic state of inadequacy. Here is the list of SSRIs:
Side Effects
Similar to that of other depression medications, SSRI antidepressant drugs also have their share of side effects. The severity of side effects vary from person to person. The following are the common SSRI antidepressant side effects:
Another debatable issue of SSRI antidepressants is that they are addictive. Many people may not agree with this fact, however, similar to many other depression medications, SSRI drugs are also addictive. Therefore, one needs to be careful before taking depression medications. Also, one should not stop these medications abruptly as it can have negative effects on the body. The dosage should be gradually reduced and then stopped, otherwise it can lead to SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Some people also tend to show certain withdrawal symptoms after stopping the use of these medications. Pregnant women should be specially careful about the use of these drugs as they can lead to birth defects in children.
One should note that antidepressant medications should only be taken in consultation with a doctor. If taken for proper reason, and under proper supervision, it can be effective! Take care!
How SSRI Antidepressants Work
The human brain contains certain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, which are responsible for change of mood. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter (chemical) that is believed to cause depression in human beings as excess absorption or uptake of serotonin leads to depression. SSRI antidepressants reduce or inhibit the re-uptake of serotonin in the brain. This results in increased serotonin levels which consequently improves a person's mood. One of the most important things to note is that antidepressants drugs are not meant to make sad people happy or to treat unhappiness in life. It is only used to treat depression as a psychological problem that characterizes the chronic state of inadequacy. Here is the list of SSRIs:
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram oxalate
- Fluvoxamine
- Paroxetine
- Fluoxetine
- Sertraline
Side Effects
Similar to that of other depression medications, SSRI antidepressant drugs also have their share of side effects. The severity of side effects vary from person to person. The following are the common SSRI antidepressant side effects:
- Nausea
- Flu like symptoms
- Dry mouth
- Headache
- Diarrhea
- Nervousness
- Abdominal cramps
- Skin rash
- Restlessness
- Increased sweating
- Insomnia
Another debatable issue of SSRI antidepressants is that they are addictive. Many people may not agree with this fact, however, similar to many other depression medications, SSRI drugs are also addictive. Therefore, one needs to be careful before taking depression medications. Also, one should not stop these medications abruptly as it can have negative effects on the body. The dosage should be gradually reduced and then stopped, otherwise it can lead to SSRI discontinuation syndrome. Some people also tend to show certain withdrawal symptoms after stopping the use of these medications. Pregnant women should be specially careful about the use of these drugs as they can lead to birth defects in children.
One should note that antidepressant medications should only be taken in consultation with a doctor. If taken for proper reason, and under proper supervision, it can be effective! Take care!
