SSRI drugs are the most common class of antidepressant prescribed for depression. This may be due to them being more tolerable and having less adverse side effects compared to other antidepressants (such as; TCAs).^[1]

SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor.

They are given this name because they are said to “inhibit the re-uptake” of the neurotransmitter Serotonin into the pre-synaptic neuron.

So, what does that mean in plain english?!

Well, this act of inhibiting the natural recycling process of Serotonin is said to increase the availability of the neurotransmitter (messenger molecules) within the brain, which is believed to alleviate the ‘symptoms’ of depression.

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• Want to see the basic process of how SSRI’s are said to work to treat depression and how they inhibit the “re-uptake” of Serotonin?  Then, be sure to watch: How Do Antidepressants Work?

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SSRI Drugs List

Here’s a list of some commonly prescribed SSRI drugs.

• Fluoxetine – Prozac – Sarafem – Lovan – Zactin – Adofen – Fluox – Animex-On – Fluoxeren – Fontex – Ladose
• Citalopram – Celexa – Cipramil – Akarin – Celapram – Cilift – Ciazil – Cilate -Cipram – Ciprapine – Citabax – Citalec – Citol – Citopam – Citox – Citrol – Dalsan – Elopram – Humorup – Oropram – Pramcit – Recital – Seropram – Talam – Talohexal – Temperax – Vodelax – Zentius – Zetalo
• Escitalopram – Lexapro – Cipralex – Loxalate – C Pram S – Esertia – Citraz – Despra – Escitalex – Lexamil – Esopram – Lexam – Seroplex – Rualalit
• Paroxetine – Paxil – Seroxat – Pexeva – Aropax – Loxamine – Sereupin – Brisdelle – Divarius
• Sertraline – Zoloft – Lustral – Setrona – Adjuvin – Tresleen – Serlain – Serlife – Depreger – Sertra
• Fluvoxamine – Luvox – Faverin – Fevarin – Dumyrox – Floxyfral – Dumirox – Maveral

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Most Common Side Effects of SSRI’s

SSRI’s may cause:^[2]

• Nausea / vomiting
• Feeling agitated, shaky or anxious
• Indigestion
• Diarrhoea or constipation
• Weight loss
• Weight gain
• Dizziness / Lightheadedness
• Confusion
• Blurred vision
• Increased risk of suicidal thinking &/or suicidal behaviour
• Dry mouth
• Excessive sweating
• Sexual dysfunction (ejaculation difficulty, impotence)
• Difficulty passing urine
• Drowsiness
• Sleeping disturbance (insomnia)
• Headaches
• Cognitive &/or memory impairment
• Lack of interest, enthusiasm or concern
• Inability to feel pleasure in normally pleasurable activities
• Emotional blunting
• Bruising or bleeding easily
• Movement troubles, such as; stiffness or shaking
• Myalgia (muscle pain)
• Abnormal physical weakness
• Akathisia
• Tremors or muscle twitches
• Restlessness
• Lack of energy / fatigue
• Decreased libido
• Nervousness
• Abdominal pain
• Skin reactions / rashes
• Hyponatremia (low sodium blood levels)
• Cold / flu-like symptoms
• Sinus, nose or upper respiratory infections
• Manic switch (switching of mood into mania)
• Increased risk of gastrointestinal (stomach/intestinal) bleeding
• Extrapyramidal symptoms^[3]
• Increased risk of Serotonin Syndrome

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Antidepressant Warnings

Antidepressant drugs can interact with other medications, foods and natural supplements (for example; St Johns Wort) which may increase the risk of Serotonin Syndrome, so be sure to speak to your doctor or healthcare provider to ensure there’s no negative interactions.

HELPFUL TIP

If you would like to personally assess how your medications may interact with each other, then simply click here to use the FREE Drug Interactions Checker. This will inform you of any possible negative interactions of your medications.

NOTE: Always consult your healthcare provider to ensure the information displayed on the Drug Interactions page applies to your personal circumstances. Always check with your healthcare provider to determine if any adjustments to your medications are needed.

WARNING:  *** NEVER stop an antidepressant drug without first consulting your healthcare provider. Suddenly stopping an antidepressant drug can cause adverse effects.***

NOTE:  The content on this page is for general information purposes only.  This page is not intended to give advice regarding SSRI Antidepressants (SSRIs).

FOOTNOTES:
1. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/10760555
2. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181155/
3. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Extrapyramidal_symptoms

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