Reviewed and approved by Dr. Jonathan Martin, psychiatrist

What Are SSRIs?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, are an important class of antidepressant drugs. These work by blocking the reabsorption (“reuptake”) of serotonin by neurons, increasing the amount of this chemical in the brain, which aids in neural transmission and emotional regulation. SSRIs have shown success in treating persons with a variety of behavioral health conditions, including anxiety, depression, panic attacks, bulimia, and others. Though generally safe for use, SSRIs have documented side effects and must be closely monitored by the prescribing physician.

If you or a loved one is suffering from chronic depression or another behavioral health condition, the psychiatric specialists at Baptist Health may be able to help. Schedule a visit to learn more about potential treatment options, including an SSRI medication.

Use Cases of SSRIs for Mental Health Disorders

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved SSRI use with a number of behavioral and related mental health disorders. These include:

• Bulimia
• Chronic or clinical depression
• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• Social anxiety disorder

Additionally, the FDA has approved the use of SSRIs for persons in the depressive phases of bipolar disorder but not during elevated or manic phases.

SSRIs are also prescribed for certain conditions outside of FDA-approved circumstances. Included among these are binge-eating disorder, premature ejaculation, stroke recovery, and rheumatoid arthritis.

Which Drugs Are SSRIs?

Serotonin is one of several neurotransmitters operating in the brain. A second one, called norepinephrine, performs a messaging function similar to that of serotonin. Whereas serotonin is involved in regulating emotion, norepinephrine governs fight-or-flight responses. A serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI) medication increases the brain’s levels of both these chemical agents. Like SSRIs, SNRIs are used to treat depression but are also prescribed for certain behavioral-health conditions, such as attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), that an SSRI alone might be less effective in treating.

The most common SNRI medications are:

• Desvenlafaxine (Pristiq®)
• Duloxetine (Cymbalta®)
• Milnacipran (Savella®)
• Venlafaxine (Effexor XR®)

Side Effects

SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed form of antidepressant, in part because they have the safest track record with the fewest side effects. There are, nevertheless, a number of secondary effects that SSRIs can have on your health. SSRIs can cause:

• Changes in sleep patterns
• Dizziness or disorientation
• Dry mouth
• Headaches
• Nausea and vomiting
• Sexual performance issues
• Weight gain

Though SSRIs are prescribed for certain nervous disorders, some persons taking them have reported increased anxiety levels.

Types of SSRIs

There are several SSRI medications on the market. In the list below, the chemical name is followed by the brand name. All are available exclusively by prescription:

• Citalopram (Celexa®)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro®)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac®)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox®)
• Paroxetine (Paxil®)
• Sertraline (Zoloft®)
• Vilazodone (Viibryd®)

The most commonly prescribed SSRI is fluoxetine, marketed under the brand name of Prozac.

How SSRIs Work

SSRIs work by raising serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is one of several chemical agents, called neurotransmitters, that facilitate messaging between nerve cells. Communication of this kind plays a critical role in the brain’s ability to regulate moods. No single chemical is the cause of depression, but slowing serotonin reabsorption increases the brain’s ability to manage emotions, similar to the way an engine tune-up can increase a car’s performance.

SSRIs are typically an oral medication taken in tablet, capsule, or liquid form. There may be a two- to four-week delay before registering effects. A typical course of treatment lasts at least six months.

Precautions and Warnings

Though an effective form of relief for a variety of mental-health disorders, antidepressants are also associated with serious medical complications. Some of these are:

• Serotonin syndrome: SSRIs increase the amount of serotonin in your body. It is possible to raise this amount to dangerous levels. This can happen when you increase your SSRI dosage or take another drug that also raises serotonin levels. Symptoms range from sweating, anxiety, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea to fever, elevated heart rate, seizures, and passing out. Serotonin syndrome requires emergency medical care; it can be fatal.
• Suicidal thoughts or impulses: SSRIs are designed to combat depression but, on occasion, intensify rather than relieve the patient’s condition, leading to suicidal thoughts or threats of violent behavior. If this happens, contact your prescribing physician or call 988 to speak with someone at the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline.
• SSRI withdrawal: Sometimes called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, SSRI withdrawal occurs when a person who has been on an antidepressant for a significant period of time suddenly stops taking it. Though rarely fatal, SSRI withdrawal can be unpleasant with flu-like symptoms and agitated emotional states. Any decision to discontinue an SSRI should be made in concert with the prescribing physician. Drug use of this type is phased out gradually rather than all at once (going “cold turkey”).

The use of SSRIs or related antidepressant medications should be carefully monitored. Report any concerns you have, or any serious side effects that you experience, to your physician or mental-health provider immediately.

Call to Schedule an Appointment

Coping with chronic depression or a similar condition can be a challenge. Just remember: the caring providers at Baptist Health are on your side. If you’re looking for treatment options or more information about SSRIs, please contact a behavioral health provider with Baptist Health today.