Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

SSRI's selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were developed in the 1980's and are the most common prescribed today. They tend to cause less side effects, and are less sedative than other types.

The newer antidepressants, including SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) , have different types of side effects, as follows:

Sexual problems -fairly common, but reversible, in both men and women. The doctor should be consulted if the problem is persistent or worrisome.
Headache -this will usually go away after a short time.
Nausea -may occur after a dose, but it will disappear quickly.
Nervousness and insomnia (trouble falling asleep or waking often during the night) -these may occur during the first few weeks; dosage reductions or time will usually resolve them.
Agitation (feeling jittery) -if this happens for the first time after the drug is taken and is more than temporary, the doctor should be notified.
Any of these side effects may be amplified when an SSRI is combined with other medications that affect serotonin. In the most extreme cases, such a combination of medications (e.g., an SSRI and an MAOI) may result in a potentially serious or even fatal "serotonin syndrome," characterized by fever, confusion, muscle rigidity, and cardiac, liver, or kidney problems.

Is there any alternative to Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors?

Many believe that there is a better way. However, it is not easy to manage depression--with or without the help of a medication for depression.

Depression is a complex disorder. It has many different aspects which involve both the mind and body. To effectively cope with clinical depressions, you must use a comprehensive approach. Such an approach needs to include a healthy diet (which may include supplements such as vitamins, amino acids, fatty acids, and herbs), exercise, psychotherapy, life style and behavior changes, spiritual activities, supportive relationships, developing coping skills, and developing stress management skills.

A SSRI for depression can be helpful. Nevertheless, drugs should be used cautiously. Care should be taken to make sure the SSRIs for depression is not being used in too high a dose or being continued for too long a period. The SSRI for depression should only be used along with other ways of treating depression.

How does selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work and serotonin reuptake inhibitors uses?

What are the Side Effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors?

Antidepressant and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and MAOIs

SSRI weight gain: At first, SSRIs were thought to be associated with weight loss and reduced appetite. For a while, they were even marketed as anti-obesity drugs. It is now known that long-term use of SSRIs is associated with weight gain.

Which selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is best for me?

Antidepressant-like profile and effects of rolipram (selective inhibitor of cyclic AMP) in the central nervous system.

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome Symptom

Monoamines

MAOI Inhibitor side effects and types of MAOI Inhibitor