When considering if an antidepressant is the right choice, patients should consider the side effects SSRI medication may have. SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors. These medications increase serotonin levels in the brain which boost the mood. They are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in the United States.
Overview of SSRI Side Effects
The side effects of SSRI medication are, for the most part, mild and usually go away within the first few days of use. Studies have shown that SSRI medications are safe and effective. Side effects include both physical and mental symptoms.
The physical side effects of SSRI medications are nausea, loss of appetite, diarrhea, problems sleeping or drowsiness, headaches, dizziness, and weight gain. These symptoms are usually temporary and, if they do persist, they are not very bothersome to patients.
Some mental side effects of SSRI medications are anxiety and irritability. Though these are some of the symptoms SSRI medications will eventually help, there is a small chance some people may feel worse for a while when starting an antidepressant. These side effects can be lessened with a change in the dosage or the type of SSRI.
Another side effect of antidepressants is a loss of sexual desire, sexual ability, and/or sexual performance. Though this is a physical side effect, it sometimes affects patients mentally. For men, adding a drug such as Viagra can lessen these side effects. For women, changing dosages can help with this issue.
Another uncommon mental side effect can be an increase in suicidal thoughts. This side effect is very rare. If there is an increase, studies have shown that it is generally from 1% to 2% and is often dosage related. Continued communication with the prescribing physician is important in this area as well as with all side effects.
Most side effects of SSRI medications will lessen as use continues. Dosages and types of SSRI medication can be discussed with the prescribing physician to ensure the least amount of side effects.
History of SSRI Side Effects
SSRI medication first became available about two decades ago. At that time, one of the most appealing things to physicians and patients was the mild side effects. Clinical trials showed that these side effects usually went away within the first few days. Since their introduction as treatment for depression, SSRI medications have improved and side effects are even less.
Since these medications have been around for over 20 years, there has been an opportunity to study long term side effects. Long term side effects can be weight gain and lose of sexual desire or ability. Both have shown to be dosage related and can be lessened or eliminated with a dosage change.
Summary of SSRI Side Effects
As with any medication, side effects must be weight against the benefits of the drug. For those suffering from clinical depression, SSRI medication is an option that many physicians recommend. In regards to the side effects of SSRI, medications are safe and effective.