Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
SSRIs, a commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, can help you overcome depression. Discover how SSRIs improve 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 typically cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants do.
How SSRIs work
SSRIs ease depression by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain cells. SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available. SSRIs are called selective because they seem to primarily affect serotonin, not other neurotransmitters.
SSRIs also may be used to treat conditions other than depression, such as anxiety disorders.
SSRIs approved to treat depression
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these SSRIs to treat depression:
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
- Vilazodone (Viibryd)
Fluvoxamine, an SSRI that's approved by the FDA to treat obsessive-compulsive disorder, is sometimes used to treat depression.
Possible side effects and cautions
All SSRIs work in a similar way and generally can cause similar side effects, though some people may not experience any. Many side effects may go away after the first few weeks of treatment, while others may lead you and your doctor to try a different drug. If you can't tolerate one SSRI, you may be able to tolerate a different one, as SSRIs differ in chemical makeup.
Possible side effects of SSRIs may include, among others:
- Drowsiness
- Nausea
- Dry mouth
- Insomnia
- Diarrhea
- Nervousness, agitation or restlessness
- Dizziness
- Sexual problems, such as reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm or inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
- Headache
- Blurred vision
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.
Which antidepressant is best for you depends on a number of issues, such as your symptoms and any other health conditions you may have. Ask your doctor and pharmacist about the most common possible side effects for your specific SSRI and read the patient medication guide that comes with the prescription.
Safety issues
SSRIs are generally safe for most people. However, in some circumstances they can cause problems. For example, high doses of citalopram may cause dangerous abnormal heart rhythms, so doses over 40 milligrams (mg) a day should be avoided, according to the FDA and the manufacturer. They also recommend a maximum dose of 20 mg for people over age 60.
Other issues to discuss with your doctor before you take an SSRI include:
- Drug interactions. When taking an antidepressant, tell your doctor about any other prescription or over-the-counter medications, herbs or other supplements you're taking. Some antidepressants can cause dangerous reactions when combined with certain medications or herbal supplements.
- Serotonin syndrome. Rarely, an antidepressant can cause high levels of serotonin to accumulate in your body. Serotonin syndrome most often occurs when two medications that raise the level of serotonin are combined. These include other antidepressants, certain pain or headache medications, and the herbal supplement St. John's wort. Signs and symptoms of serotonin syndrome include anxiety, agitation, sweating, confusion, tremors, restlessness, lack of coordination and a rapid heart rate. Seek immediate medical attention if you have any of these signs or symptoms.
- Antidepressants and pregnancy. Talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of using specific antidepressants. Some antidepressants may harm your baby if you take them during pregnancy or while you're breast-feeding. If you're taking an antidepressant and you're considering getting pregnant, talk to your doctor about the possible risks. Don't stop taking your medication without contacting your doctor first, as stopping might pose risks for you.
Suicide risk and antidepressants
Most antidepressants are generally safe, but the FDA requires that all antidepressants carry black box warnings, the strictest warnings for prescriptions. In some cases, children, teenagers and young adults under 25 may have an increase in suicidal thoughts or behavior when taking antidepressants, especially in the first few weeks after starting or when the dose is changed.
Anyone taking an antidepressant should be watched closely for worsening depression or unusual behavior. If you or someone you know has suicidal thoughts when taking an antidepressant, immediately contact your doctor or get emergency help.
Keep in mind that antidepressants are more likely to reduce suicide risk in the long run by improving mood.
Stopping treatment with SSRIs
SSRIs aren't considered addictive. However, stopping antidepressant treatment abruptly or missing several doses can cause withdrawal-like symptoms. This is sometimes called discontinuation syndrome. Work with your doctor to gradually and safely decrease your dose.
Withdrawal-like symptoms can include:
- General feeling of uneasiness
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Lethargy
- Flu-like symptoms
Finding the right antidepressant
People may react differently to the same antidepressant. For example, a particular drug may work better — or not as well — for you than for another person. Or you may have more, or fewer, side effects from taking a specific antidepressant than someone else does.
Inherited traits play a role in how antidepressants affect you. In some cases, where available, results of special blood tests may offer clues about how your body may respond to a particular antidepressant. However, other variables besides genetics can affect your response to medication.
When choosing an antidepressant, your doctor takes into account your symptoms, any health problems, other medications you take and what has worked for you in the past.
Typically, it may take several weeks or longer before an antidepressant is fully effective and for initial side effects to ease up. You may need to try several dose adjustments or different antidepressants before you find the right one, but hang in there. With patience, you and your doctor can find a medication that works well for you.
May 17, 2018
- Hirsch M, et al. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors: Pharmacology, administration, and side effects. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 2, 2016.
- Mental health medications. National Institute of Mental Health. http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/mental-health-medications/index.shtml. Accessed May 16, 2016.
- Hirsch M, et al. Discontinuing antidepressant medications in adults. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 17, 2016.
- Boyer EW. Serotonin syndrome (serotonin toxicity). http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 17, 2016.
- Moreland CS, et al. Effect of antidepressants on suicide risk in children and adolescents. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed May 17, 2016.
- Revisions to product labeling. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/downloads/Drugs/DrugSafety/InformationbyDrugClass/UCM173233.pdf. Accessed May 5, 2016.
- National Library of Medicine. What is pharmacogenomics? Genetics Home Reference. https://ghr.nlm.nih.gov/primer/genomicresearch/pharmacogenomics. Accessed May 16, 2016.
- Zoloft (prescribing information). New York, N.Y.: Pfizer; 2014. http://labeling.pfizer.com/ShowLabeling.aspx?id=517. Accessed June 2, 2016.
- Lexapro (prescribing information). St. Louis, Mo.: Forest Laboratories; 2014. http://pi.actavis.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1907&p=pi&language=E. Accessed June 2, 2016.
- Prozac (prescribing information). Indianapolis, Ind.: Eli Lilly; 2014. http://pi.lilly.com/us/prozac.pdf. Accessed June 2, 2016.
- Paxil (prescribing information). Mississauga, Ontario: GlaxoSmithKline; 2014. http://ca.gsk.com/media/530543/paxil_pm-2014-11-13.pdf. Accessed June 21, 2016.
- Celexa (prescribing information). St. Louis, Mo.: Forest Laboratories; 2014. http://pi.actavis.com/data_stream.asp?product_group=1906&p=pi&language=E. Accessed June 2, 2016.
- Stewart D, et al. Risks of antidepressants during pregnancy: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 2, 2016.
- Viibryd (prescribing information). Cincinnati, Ohio: Forest Pharmaceuticals; 2015. http://www.allergan.com/assets/pdf/viibryd_pi. Accessed May 24, 2016.
- Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) information. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/drugs/drugsafety/informationbydrugclass/ucm283587.htm. Accessed June 9, 2016.
- Buss Preszler LK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 20, 2016.
- Hirsch M, et al. Serotonin modulators: Pharmacology, administration, and side effects. http://www.uptodate.com/home. Accessed June 18, 2016.
- Hall-Flavin DK (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minn. June 16, 2016.
- Fluvoxamine (prescribing information). Baudette, Minn.: Ani Pharmaceuticals; 2014. https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm?setid=7ecd83ec-88f5-4f85-9cc2-9068375d8820. Accessed June 21, 2016.
- Clarification of dosing and warning recommendations for Celexa. U.S. Food and Drug Administration. http://www.fda.gov/Drugs/ResourcesForYou/SpecialFeatures/ucm297764.htm. Accessed June 22, 2016.
.