iPsychology

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor ( SSRI )

Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor a neurotransmitter that is believed to influence mood. SSRIs help relieve the symptoms of depression by increasing the available supply of serotonin in the brain. SSRIs are mostly used for treatment of depression, but can also be used for anxiety, panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, and social phobia.

In depression, certain neurotransmitters are relatively lacking. One of those is serotonin, also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT. The SSRIs slow down the process of returning the serotonin to the end of the neuron it comes from. This leads to the chemical remaining in the vicinity of the receptors for longer, making it more likely that enough will build up to set off the impulse in the next neuron. Thus, the SSRIs work by allowing the body to make the best use of the reduced amounts of serotonin that it has at the time. In due course, the levels of natural serotonin will rise again, and in some instances the SSRI can be reduced and withdrawn.

SSRI's can cause severe withdrawal symptoms. You can become physically and psychologically dependent on the medication. Do not take more than the prescribed amount of medication or take it for longer than is directed by your doctor. Withdrawal effects may occur if SSRI's stopped suddenly after several weeks of continuous use.
Take caution in if you have a history of manic illness, heart disease, liver or kidney disease, or bleeding disorders.

As always, caution should be used in pregnancy or breast feeding.
SSRIs may impair performance of tasks requiring skill and coordination.

Side Effects

Feeling sick, vomiting, indigestion, abdominal pain, diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, weight loss, increased appetite, weight gain, allergic reactions, dry mouth, irritability, anxiety, sleeplessness, drowsiness, headache, shaking, dizziness, fits / convulsions, disturbance of sexual function (but this is also a feature of depression), sweating, bruising, manic or hypomanic behavior, abnormal movements, low sodium level, suicidal ideas.