Impact of SSRI Therapy
SSRIs are a type of antidepressant medication that can help treat depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. They work by increasing the level of serotonin, a chemical messenger that plays a role in mood and sleep, in the brain. However, they can also cause some side effects, such as nausea, sexual problems, or numbing of emotions.
key points about SSRIs:
- SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor. This means that they block the reabsorption of serotonin into nerve cells. Also, making more serotonin available to improve communication between brain cells.
- SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. This is because they are effective and generally have fewer or less severe side effects than other types of antidepressants. Such as tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) or monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs).
- SSRI’s can help relieve symptoms of depression, such as low mood, irritability, feelings of worthlessness, restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty in sleeping. They can also help treat other conditions, such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), bulimia nervosa, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD).
- SSRIs may take several weeks to start working, and the full effects may not be seen until six to eight weeks of treatment. It is important to keep taking the medication as prescribed, even if you feel better, to prevent relapse or withdrawal symptoms.
- SSRIs may cause some side effects. Such as nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, headache, drowsiness, dry mouth, insomnia, nervousness, dizziness, or weight changes. These side effects may go away after the first few weeks of treatment, or they may be reduced by adjusting the dose or taking the medication with food.
- SSRIs may also affect sexual function, such as reducing sexual desire, difficulty reaching orgasm, or erectile dysfunction. These side effects may persist even after stopping the medication, and they may affect all genders. Some people may benefit from switching to another antidepressant. Such as bupropion (Wellbutrin), which has less impact on sexual function, or adding a medication, such as sildenafil (Viagra), to enhance sexual performance.
Other Characters:
- SSRI’s may also cause a numbing effect. This means that some people may feel less emotional or detached from their surroundings. This can be beneficial for some people who have trouble coping with intense or distressing emotions, or who want to avoid reminders of their trauma. However, this effect can also have some drawbacks, such as reducing positive emotions, impairing memory, or interfering with relationships. Some people may prefer other types of medication, such as serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs). They can also treat depression but may have less numbing effects, or combining medication with psychotherapy, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), which can help them process and overcome their trauma.
- SSRIs are generally safe for most people. They can interact with some other medications, supplements, or foods, such as warfarin (Coumadin), St. John’s wort, or grapefruit juice. These interactions can increase the risk of bleeding, serotonin syndrome, or other serious side effects. Therefore, it is important to tell your doctor and pharmacist about all the medications, supplements, or foods that you are taking or planning to take before starting or stopping an SSRIs.
- SSRI’s should not be stopped abruptly. This can cause withdrawal symptoms, such as flu-like symptoms, dizziness, electric shock sensations, anxiety, or mood changes. These symptoms can be avoided or minimized by gradually reducing the dose under the guidance of your doctor. If you experience any severe or unusual symptoms, such as agitation, confusion, hallucinations, or suicidal thoughts, you should seek medical attention immediately.
Examples of SSRIs:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Vilazodone (Viibryd)
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