SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. SSRI antidepressants are a type of antidepressant that have been shown to increase levels of serotonin within the brain.
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that is often referred to as the “feel good hormone”. It carries messages between brain cells and contributes to well-being, good mood, appetite, as well as helping to regulate the body’s sleep-wake cycle and internal clock. Historically, it was thought that depression was caused by low levels of serotonin and other neurotransmitters in the brain, although experts now do not think this is the case.
SSRIs increase levels of serotonin in the brain by preventing the reuptake of serotonin by nerves. All SSRI antidepressants have this effect.
Antidepressants relieve the symptoms of depression. SSRIs are one type of antidepressant. Other types include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and the atypical antidepressants.
SSRI antidepressants help to relieve symptoms of depression such as low mood, irritability, feelings of worthlessness, restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty in sleeping.
They are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants because they are effective at improving mood with fewer or less severe side effects compared to some other antidepressants.
In addition to depression, SSRIs may also be used to treat a range of other conditions, for example:
Some reduction in symptoms may be noticed within one to two weeks; however, it may take six to eight weeks of treatment before the full effects are seen.
Although all SSRI antidepressants are thought to act in the same way, there are differences between individual SSRIs with regards to how long they remain in the body, how they are metabolized, and how much they interact with other medications. For example, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, and paroxetine are more likely to interact with other medications than citalopram, escitalopram and sertraline.
| Generic name | Brand name examples |
|---|---|
| citalopram | Celexa |
| escitalopram | Lexapro |
| fluoxetine | Prozac, Sarafem |
| fluvoxamine | Luvox |
| paroxetine | Brisdelle, Paxil, Pexeva |
| sertraline | Zoloft |
| vilazodone* | Viibryd |
*Vilazodone is considered a serotonin modulator. Exactly how it works for depression is unknown but it does appear to potentiate serotonergic activity in the CNS.
When taken at the recommended dosage, SSRI antidepressants are considered safe. However, they have been associated with a few serious, potentially fatal, severe side effects such as:
In addition, some SSRIs, such as citalopram have been associated with abnormal heart rhythms with higher dosages.
Not everybody experiences side effects with SSRIs antidepressants. Some of the more commonly reported side effects include:
Several SSRIs have been associated with a discontinuation syndrome when they have been stopped suddenly. For this reason, it is best to withdraw all antidepressants slowly.
For a complete list of side effects, please refer to the individual drug monographs.
Data Source:drugs.com
Citalopram HBR is a medication commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression. Citalopram HBR is available in tablet form and is typically taken once daily. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional for proper use and potential side effects.
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Escitalopram oxalate is a medication used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and restore the balance of chemicals in the brain. Escitalopram oxalate is available in tablet form and is typically taken once daily. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional for proper use and potential side effects.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Fluvoxamine ER is a medication used to treat various mental health conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, and panic disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This extended-release formulation allows for once-daily dosing, providing a convenient treatment option for individuals managing these conditions. It should be taken as prescribed by a healthcare professional and may take several weeks to show its full effects. Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and sexual dysfunction.
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Fluvoxamine maleate is a medication used to treat various mental health conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), social anxiety disorder, and depression. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders. Fluvoxamine maleate is typically taken orally in tablet form and is available by prescription only. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional for proper use and potential side effects.
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Lexapro is a prescription medication that is commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of depression. Lexapro is typically taken orally, and the dosage is determined by a healthcare professional based on the individual's condition and response to treatment. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and not to abruptly stop taking Lexapro without consulting a doctor, as this can lead to withdrawal symptoms. Common side effects of Lexapro may include nausea, drowsiness, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction. It is important to discuss any concerns or potential interactions with other medications with a healthcare professional before starting Lexapro.
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Olanzapine-fluoxetine is a combination medication that contains two active ingredients: olanzapine, an antipsychotic medication, and fluoxetine, an antidepressant. This medication is primarily used to treat bipolar depression, a mental disorder characterized by episodes of depression and mania. Olanzapine-fluoxetine works by balancing certain chemicals in the brain to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and stabilize emotions. It is typically prescribed when other medications have not been effective in managing bipolar depression.
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PAROXETINE CR is a medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and certain types of panic disorders. The extended-release formulation of paroxetine allows for a slower release of the medication into the body, providing a more consistent and steady effect. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps to improve mood and reduce symptoms of these conditions. PAROXETINE CR is typically taken once daily and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Paroxetine ER is a medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and certain types of mood disorders. The extended-release formulation of paroxetine allows for a slower release of the medication into the body, providing a more consistent and steady effect. It works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain that helps regulate mood, thereby improving symptoms of depression and anxiety. Paroxetine ER is typically taken once daily and should be used under the guidance of a healthcare professional.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
Paroxetine HCL is a medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Paroxetine HCL works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of these conditions. It is available in tablet and liquid form and is typically taken once daily. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional for any concerns or side effects.
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Paroxetine mesylate is a medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Paroxetine mesylate works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms of these conditions. It is available in tablet form and should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
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Paxil is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is primarily used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and certain types of panic disorders. Paxil works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps to improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. It is available in tablet and liquid form and is typically taken once daily. Common side effects of Paxil may include drowsiness, dizziness, nausea, and sexual dysfunction. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional before starting or stopping this medication.
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PAXIL CR is a medication used to treat depression, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. PAXIL CR is available in extended-release tablets and should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional. It may take several weeks for the full effects of the medication to be felt. Common side effects may include nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, and sexual problems. It is important to discuss any concerns or potential interactions with other medications with a doctor before starting PAXIL CR.
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Prozac is a commonly prescribed medication used to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, and other mental health conditions. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. This helps to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and alleviate symptoms associated with these disorders. Prozac is available in various forms, including capsules, tablets, and liquid, and is typically taken once daily. It is important to follow the prescribed dosage and consult with a healthcare professional for proper use and potential side effects.
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Sertraline HCL is a medication that belongs to the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) class. It is commonly prescribed to treat depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Sertraline HCL works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps to improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. It is available in tablet and liquid form and should be taken as directed by a healthcare professional.
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Trazodone is a medication commonly prescribed to treat depression and anxiety disorders. It belongs to a class of drugs known as serotonin modulators, which work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain. Trazodone is also used off-label to treat insomnia, as it has sedative effects. It is typically taken orally in tablet form and can be used in combination with other medications or therapies to manage mental health conditions.
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Zoloft is a prescription medication that belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). It is commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD). Zoloft works by increasing the levels of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps to improve mood, sleep, appetite, and energy levels. It is usually taken orally once daily, with or without food, and the dosage is determined by the individual's condition and response to treatment. It may take several weeks for the full effects of Zoloft to be felt, and it is important to continue taking the medication as prescribed even if symptoms improve. However, it is essential to consult a healthcare professional before starting or stopping Zoloft, as it may interact with other medications and have potential side effects.
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Fluoxetine HCL is a medication commonly used to treat depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. It belongs to a class of drugs called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and works by increasing the amount of serotonin in the brain, which helps improve mood and reduce anxiety. This medication is available in tablet and capsule form and is typically taken once daily. It may take several weeks for the full effects of fluoxetine HCL to be felt, so it is important to continue taking it as prescribed by a healthcare professional. Common side effects may include nausea, headache, insomnia, and sexual dysfunction.
Data Source:medlineplus.gov
