Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class of drugs includes the antidepressant drugs. The SSRIs are some of the most commonly prescribed medicines for treating depression.
SSRIs work because they affect certain chemicals in the brain. These chemicals send messages from one brain cell to another. The chemicals in question are messengers, and they are called neurotransmitters. They are released from a nerve and another nerve picks them up.
In general, these drugs act by preventing serotonin, a brain chemical, from being reabsorbed into the original nerve cell that let it go. This makes the serotonin remain active, and this has been shown to lower depression symptoms in some patients.
SSRIs can be particularly useful for heading off depression when caught early on. Some clinical studies report that SSRIs are a good option for people who have only minor depressive issues. They work better than
tricyclic antidepressants, in most cases and have fewer complications than MAOIs. SSRIs can also be used effectively for major depression, as well.
Some experts believe that
antidepressants also work when they play a neuroprotective function. This is thought to help relieve both depression and
anxiety.
SSRIs also often are used to treat anxiety disorders, such as
social anxiety and
panic attacks disorders.
SSRIs for Depression Treatment
There are a few SSRIs that are currently available as extended-release tablets. Many times, this is designated by the use of CR or XR along with the name. This type of medicine provides controlled release during the day or night with just one dose of the medication.
The following
selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been approved for use in treating depression:
There is also available a combination of olanzapine and fluoxetine that goes by the name
Symbyax. It, too, has received FDA approval in the treatment of certain bipolar depression. The new drug, Symbyax, has classed for use as an SSRI antidepressant and also as an atypical antipsychotic.
The above drugs can also be prescribed for treating other conditions besides depression.
Side Effects of SSRIs Drugs
The drugs that fall into the SSRI class utilize the same basic mechanism in both action and possible side effects. The SSRIs have some varying pharmacological parameters. In simple terms, you may have a different response with particular SSRIs, also you may have side effects that differ with other SSRIs. An example: A person may have negative side effects while taking one SSRI but then not have any side effects when taking another. SSRIs are less likely to cause any adverse interactions if taken with different drugs. They have smaller chance to cause accidental overdose.
Most people tolerate SSRIs quite well and will have no problems; however, there possible some side effects and they include:
- Dry Mouth
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Sexual dysfunction
- Headache
- Restlessness
- Drowsiness
- Weight gain
- Insomnia
There is also a rare but dangerous, life-threatening side effect to SSRI use. It is known as serotonin syndrome. With this condition, serotonin can reach dangerously high levels in the brain. This may happen if a SSRI interacts with certain antidepressants that are named monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs). You should not take any form of SSRI if you are also taking any MAOIs. You should not take them within 14 days of each other. You should also know that serotonin syndrome may occur when SSRIs come into contact with other medications including:
- Pain relief drugs like Tramadol (Ultram)
- Supplements that may change serotonin levelsi
- Migraine headache drugs like sumatriptan (Imitrex) or rizatriptan (Maxalt)
