Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs, a popular antidepressant type, can help you overcome depression. Discover how SSRIs boost mood and what side effects they may cause.
By Mayo Clinic Staff
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They can ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression, are relatively safe and generally cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants do.
How SSRIs work
SSRIs ease depression by affecting naturally occurring chemical messengers (neurotransmitters), which are used to communicate between brain cells. SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of the neurotransmitter serotonin in the brain. Changing the balance of serotonin seems to help brain cells send and receive chemical messages, which in turn boosts mood.
Most antidepressants work by changing the levels of one or more of these neurotransmitters. SSRIs are called selective because they seem to primarily affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters.
SSRIs approved to treat depression
SSRIs approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat depression, with their generic names followed by brand names in parentheses, include:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Paxil CR is an SSRI that provides controlled release of the medication throughout the day or for a week at a time with a single dose.
SSRIs also may be used to treat conditions other than depression, such as anxiety disorders.
Side effects and cautions
All SSRIs work in a similar way and generally cause similar side effects. However, each SSRI has a different chemical makeup, so one may affect you a little differently than another. Most side effects may go away after the first few weeks of treatment, but talk to your doctor if any side effects are too troublesome for you.
Side effects of SSRIs may include, among others:
- Nausea
- Nervousness, agitation or restlessness
- Dizziness
- Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm or inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Weight gain or loss
- Headache
- Dry mouth
- Vomiting
- Diarrhea
Taking your medication with food may reduce the risk of nausea. Also, as long as your medication doesn't keep you from sleeping, you can reduce the impact of nausea by taking it at bedtime.
Read the package insert for additional side effects, and talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you have questions.
Jul. 09, 2013
- Mental health medication. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/mental-health-medications/complete-index.shtml. Accessed May 14, 2013.
- Hirsch M, et al. Unipolar depression in adults and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): Pharmacology, administration and side effects. www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 5, 2013.
- Depression. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/depression/index.shtml. Accessed May 14, 2013.
- Fleeman N, et al. Cytochrome P450 testing for prescribing antipsychotics in adults with schizophrenia: Systemic review and meta-analysis. The Pharmacogenomics Journal. 2011;11:1.
- Ables AZ, et al. Prevention, diagnosis and management of serotonin syndrome. American Family Physician. 2010;81:1139.
- Hirsch M, et al. Antidepressant medication in adults: Switching and discontinuing medication. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 14, 2013.
- Howland RH. Potential adverse effects of discontinuing psychotropic drugs - Part 2: Antidepressant drugs. Journal of Psychosocial Nursing. 2010;48:9.
- Bostwick JM. A generalist's guide to treating patients with depression with an emphasis on using side effects to tailor antidepressant therapy. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2010;85:538.
- What is pharmacogenomics? Genetics Home Reference. http://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/handbook/genomicresearch/pharmacogenomics. Accessed May 30, 2013.
- Buss Preszler LK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 17, 2013.
- Richelson E (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Jacksonville, Fla. June 26, 2013.
.