Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for Anxiety & Depression

Medication known as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, are frequently prescribed for the treatment of depression and other related conditions. They work by increasing serotonergic activity in the brain.

SSRIs are thought to reduce depression through blocking the reabsorption of Serotonin, allowing the brain more time to utilize this neurotransmitter and potentially enhance the mood.

Although these medications are prescribed by physicians frequently, they may cause significant side effects in some patients. There are reports of sexual dysfunction and other long-term adverse effects in patients who take SSRI medications.

Likewise, the effectiveness of these medications has been supported by many studies, but some researchers still question the accuracy of these results. In some studies, natural Serotonin-boosting supplements like 5-HTP have performed as well as, or even outperformed SSRI drugs.

Because of the possible side effects and dangers associated with these medications, some patients may attempt natural remedies for depression and anxiety before beginning an SSRI.

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About Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Medications

According to the Mayo Clinic, selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants in medicine today.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors’ mechanism of action involves changing the balance of Serotonin, a naturally-occurring neurotransmitter found in the brain and the digestive tract.

This neurotransmitter facilitates communication within brain cells and is responsible for several important bodily functions, including the regulation of mood.

SSRIs increase the concentration of Serotonin in the brain by preventing the brain from reabsorbing it. Researchers believe that increasing the amount of Serotonin in the brain may elevate the mood, thus relieving the symptoms of depression.

Below is a list of SSRIs that are commonly prescribed to patients in the United States.

• Citalopram (Brand Name: Celexa)
• Escitalopram (Brand Name: Lexapro)
• Fluoxetine (Brand Name: Prozac)
• Paroxetine (Brand Names: Paxil, Pexeva)
• Sertraline (Brand Name: Zoloft)

SSRIs for Depression Treatment

The effectiveness of SSRI medications in the treatment of depression has been investigated in multiple research studies.

While many of these studies have found support for the use of SSRIs, others have been inconclusive or produced results that called the effectiveness of SSRIs into question.

Specifically, according to an article published in Zeitschrift Fur Psychologie, approximately 43 percent of studies conducted have indicated statistically-significant changes among depressed patients treated with SSRIs.

The remaining 57 percent of studies conducted either failed or did not provide evidence of a statistically-significant change.

In addition to the treatment of depression, SSRIs have also been used off-label to treat several other conditions. Some of these conditions include:

• Generalized anxiety disorder
• Neurocardiogenic syncope
• Fibromyalgia
• Diabetic neuropathy
• Migraine headaches
• Premature ejaculation

Research studies have supported the use of SSRIs for premature ejaculation and generalized anxiety disorder.

The use of SSRIs for the other conditions on this list has not been thoroughly researched, but the few studies conducted have indicated possible effectiveness for some patients.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors for Anxiety

After depression, generalized anxiety disorder is the most common condition treated with SSRIs. Multiple studies have analyzed the ability of SSRIs to improve the symptoms of anxiety.

For example, a double-blind study published in the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry found that both paroxetine and sertraline were effective, well-tolerated treatments for anxiety.

Likewise, according to an article published in Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, many other randomized controlled trials have also demonstrated that SSRIs can reduce the symptoms of generalized anxiety disorder significantly.

Thus, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are prescribed to people with anxiety more and more nowadays.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Side Effects

Even when taken as directed, SSRIs may produce side effects. According to the National Institutes of Health, some of the most common side effects of SSRIs include:

• Weight gain
• Fatigue
• Nausea and vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Sexual problems

More serious side effects of SSRIs may include:

• Worsening of depression
• Worsening of anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Restlessness
• Irritability
• Aggression
• Signs of mania
• Insomnia
• Impulsive behavior
• Thoughts of suicide
• Suicide attempts

The overuse of SSRIs may also lead to a potentially fatal condition known as “Serotonin syndrome” or “Serotonin toxicity,” especially if the medication is taken in high doses or combined with other medications that raise Serotonin levels.

Symptoms of Serotonin Syndrome may include extreme agitation, hallucinations, high fever, blood pressure changes, excessive sweating, irregular heartbeat, and seizure. In severe cases, if left untreated, Serotonin Syndrome can be fatal.

Serotonin-Boosting Supplements for Patients with Depression

For people with any diagnosed mood disorder, it is important to always speak with your doctor before changing your treatments. It is not advised to stop taking any prescribed medications without your doctor’s advisement.

Patients with mild anxiety or depression may be interested in exploring other, more natural options before beginning an SSRI regiment, or if they have used SSRIs previously and were not pleased with the results or side effects.

For example, some patients with mild cases of anxiety or depression may benefit from engaging in regular physical activity to boost their mood and relieve stress naturally.

In addition, dietary changes may also be beneficial, especially when low Serotonin levels are part of the problem. Foods that are high in the amino acid L-Tryptophan may help to raise Serotonin levels, as Tryptophan is a precursor to Serotonin. Foods that may raise Serotonin levels naturally include eggs, lentils, beans, oats, fish, turkey, chicken, red meat, tofu, nuts and seeds.

Certain supplements may be used to boost Serotonin levels as well. The most common supplements that people have used for this purpose are L-Tryptophan and 5-HTP. Both of these supplements are thought to work by increasing the amount of the raw materials needed to make Serotonin in the body.

Patients with anxiety or depression should always speak with a medical professional before beginning any treatment program, even if the program includes only natural remedies.

A qualified physician can help patients determine the best course of treatment for their needs, whether it be a supplement, dietary changes, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or some combination of these measures.

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