Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor
- Millions of Americans suffer from depression, anxiety, and other mental health conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can improve a wide variety of these conditions and, as a result, are commonly prescribed. SSRIs work by blocking a receptor in brain cells that reabsorb the chemical serotonin, thereby more of this chemical available to “amplify” its ability to send messages between nerve cells. Brain circuits that “run” on serotonin messaging are known to influence mood, but the exact way SSRIs improve depression isn’t clear.
Commonly prescribed SSRIs include :
- Prozac
- Celexa
- Luvox
- Zoloft
- Paxil
- Lexapro
- Viibryd (an SSRI and 5HT1A receptor partial agonist)
- Brintellix (an SSRI that also targets several other serotonin receptors)
Contents
Uses
- SSRIs have the power to markedly improve mood, outlook, and behavior in people with depression. Although often positive, these same benefits can also be a cause of concern to many people. They may think that taking an SSRI will turn you into someone other than your own self? Most depression experts would say that when antidepressants are effective, they take away the negative effects of depression that mask your real self; antidepressants can reveal someone’s true personality (rather than change it) by lifting the veil of depression.
Cautions
- All medicines can have side effects, and depression treatments are no exception. Although generally well-tolerated, antidepressant drugs affect each person differently. Understanding the reality behind SSRI myths can help you know what to expect, if you’re prescribed these medicines.
References
Source:WebMD, “Antidepressants: Myths and Facts About SSRIs”, web article-Reviewed by Joseph Goldberg, MD on January 14, 2015, www.webmd.com/depression/ssris-myths-and-facts-about-antidepressants?page=3