SSRI

Contact Time Wellness Centers today to learn more about common mental health medications.

What is an SSRI?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRI drugs, are available by prescription and are the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant drug. SSRIs are used to treat anxiety, depression, and other mental health disorders. SSRI drugs are known for having fewer side effects than many other drugs used to treat depression and related disorders.

How Do SSRIs Work?

A person’s brain naturally produces feel-good chemicals such as serotonin, which are neurotransmitters that send messages to the brain to produce emotions like joy, and help a person sleep. When the production of serotonin is interrupted, SSRI drugs can help provide the positive emotions and relaxation that every person needs. It does this by stopping the reabsorption of serotonin back into nerve cells, so the person has the right amount.

Anyone prescribed an SSRI drug should inform their doctor of other prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, and supplements they take.

Types of SSRIs 

When it comes to SSRI drugs, there are many types available. They include:

• Citalopram
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Fluvoxamine
• Paroxetine
• Sertraline
• Vilazodone
• Vortioxetine

Recommended: Paxil For Anxiety

Possible Common or Serious Side Effects of SSRIs

Common side effects caused by the use of SSRIs include:

• Headache
• Sexual dysfunction
• Difficulty sleeping
• Nausea
• Blurred vision
• Dizziness
• Moodiness
• Sweating
• Dry mouth

Most symptoms are short-term but should be reported to the clinician who prescribed the medication.

Serious side effects are not as common, but should be taken seriously and immediately discussed with the prescriber. They include:

• Suicidal thoughts
• Mental confusion
• Hallucinations
• Difficulty urinating
• Stiff or rigid movements
• Trembling
• Bleeding easily

SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms

Anyone taking SSRI drugs should speak to their doctor or other prescribing clinician before going off them. Some people experience withdrawal symptoms, but they are usually short-term and not serious.

Withdrawal symptoms include:

• Nausea
• Headache
• Moodiness
• Anxiety
• Dizziness
• Depression
• Fatigue
• Difficulty sleeping
• Flu-like symptoms

Recommended: Phases of SSRI Withdrawal

How Effective Are SSRIs?

Studies vary on the efficacy of using SSRI medications, depending on the type the individual uses, the dosage, and how long they have been taking them. Overall, the majority of people who use SSRI drugs as prescribed find that they help relieve or eliminate their symptoms of mental health disorders like depression. They are often at their most effective when used in combination with attending therapy sessions with a licensed counselor. 

SSRIs to Treat Depression

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved several types of SSRI drugs to treat moderate to severe depression. They include:

• Citalopram
• Escitalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Paroxetine
• Sertraline

Who Prescribes an SSRI?

SSRI drugs are only available as prescription drugs, and can be obtained through a primary care physician or a mental health clinician licensed to prescribe drugs, such as a psychiatrist.

How Long Does an SSRI Take to Work?

Many people begin to feel the effectiveness of an SSRI after one to two weeks. Their full effect occurs for most around the four to six week mark. It’s essential to consult with a person’s healthcare provider to determine if a higher dosage or a change in medication is necessary.

Tennessee Treatment Programs

Time Wellness Tennessee offers several types of treatment programs that help people who are at all stages of needing care for their mental health, including:

• Residential Inpatient: A comfortable and nurturing homelike environment that provides a safe place to live for people with severe symptoms of mental illnesses.
• Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP): Therapy sessions take place several hours per day on Monday through Friday.
• Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP): Therapy sessions take place for a few hours per day on three to five days a week.
• Outpatient Program (OP): Therapy sessions take place once or twice each week.
• Supportive Mental Health Housing: We partner with supportive mental health housing programs for those who need a safe place to stay while in treatment at an outpatient program.