SEROTONIN SPECIFIC REUPTAKE INHIBITORS (SSRIs)
(Disclaimer: - The information included on this site is for educational purposes only and is not intended for medical treatment.)
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However, depression is one of the most easily cured mental disorders. But be a little mindful.80 to 90% of people benefit from some mental training in his endeavor. The mental exercises you need will depend on your specific situation, but for some, even though the medication may be very helpful, it is best to try as many mental exercises as possible.
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SSRIs for this depressive condition are now more commonly prescribed by doctors than any other type of medication. This is because they are safer than other drugs such as amitriptyline.
And according to a psychiatrist, this is due to chemical changes in the brain. That’s why he places more emphasis on drug therapy than mental training.
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How do SSRIs work?
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SSRIs work by improving the function of nerve cells in the brain that control emotion. This serotonin helps in communication with signals between your brain cells. The chemicals that deliver these signals are called neurotransmitters. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter.
When these brain cells (called neurons) send signals to each other, they emit a little neurotransmitter to deliver the message. They then retrieve the released neurotransmitter. So that they can send the next message. This process of modifying the neurotransmitter is called "reuptake".
When you are struggling with depression, the areas of your brain that regulate mood, and send messages using serotonin, do not function properly. But these SSRIs make more serotonin available between neurons by inhibiting the "Reuptake Phenomenon Process". So neurons can send messages correctly between themselves. Therefore these drugs are called "Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors." or SSRIs.
Types of SSRIs: -
The following SSRIs are approved by the US FDA to treat depression, anxiety, and other mental disorders: -
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox, Luvox CR)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Side effects: -
Each type of medical treatment carries some risks. Possible side effects of these SSRI antidepressant medications include:
-Sleeplessness
-Headache
-Raw
-Blurred vision
-Dizzy
-Dry mouth
-Rebellion or anxiety
-Dizziness
-Pain in the joints or muscles
-Nausea or diarrhea
-Less sexual desire
-Erectile or ejaculation problems
-Some people, especially children, and young people are more likely to have suicidal thoughts when they regularly take SSRIs.
-There are also important security issues to consider about SSRIs. Although this is rare, if too much serotonin accumulates in your body, you may suffer from a condition called SEROTONIN SYNDROME. This often happens when two different serotonin-boosting drugs are taken together.
Warning: -
Some SSRIs can cause dangerous, side effects with other medications you take. They may be prescribed by a doctor or herbal and supplemental medications. Before starting an SSRI type of medicine, be sure to tell your doctor about all types of medications and supplements you are taking.
Because all SSRIs work the same way, the side effects are often the same no matter what type of medication you take. But each SSRI has a different chemical nature, so if one drug you take causes side effects, you can avoid many side effects if you switch to another drug with a doctor's permission.
While some have side effects, others do not. In many cases, the side effects disappear after a few weeks of treatment. You need to work with your doctor to find the right medicine for you.
How long does it take for the SSRI to be beneficial?
Changes are usually noticed 4 to 6 weeks after treatment. It can take months to realize the full effect of the medication.
If after 6 to 8 weeks you have no improvement, talk to your doctor about trying another treatment or adjusting your medication dose.
Termination of treatment: -
These drugs can have dangerous side effects when abruptly stopped or left unattended for several days. This is known as Discontinuation Syndrome or Withdrawal Syndrome.
You may start to feel like you have a fever. The following symptoms may occur too.
Nausea
-Dizziness
-Discomfort
-Fatigue or laziness
That is why, with the help of your doctor, it is important that you slowly reduce the dose he or she prescribes, and gradually discontinue the medication if you are advised that it is time to stop.
