SSRI Antidepressants

Neurotransmitters are molecules whose function is to send messages between nerve cells (neurons) in the brain. There is a small gap called a synapse between neurons, and neurotransmitters released from the end of one neuron travel across the synapse and bind to a receptor on a neighboring neuron. The binding of the neurotransmitter causes the receptor to change shape, which triggers the transmission of the message. The neurotransmitter is then usually reabsorbed by the nerve cell. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) work by specifically affecting the neurotransmitter serotonin.

Serotonin is an important neurotransmitter that is involved in regulation of mood, sleeping and waking cycles, temperature, appetite, and other functions. Low levels of serotonin in the brain are thought to be a contributing factor of depression because fewer signals are transmitted between nerve cells.

SSRIs act by blocking the reuptake or reabsorption of serotonin by nerve cells, thus leaving more of it available for the brain to use in the transmission of nerve impulses. These compounds are called "selective" because they only prevent the reuptake of serotonin, without affecting other neurotransmitters.

Some commonly prescribed SSRIs include:

Celexa (citalopram)
Lexapro (escitalopram oxalate)
Luvox (fluvoxamine)
Paxil (paroxetine)
Prozac (fluoxetine)
Zoloft (sertraline)

Side Effects of SSRIs

The FDA has ordered a black box warning to be placed on the packaging of these drugs, which indicates that they have dangerous and potentially fatal side effects. Some studies have shown that SSRIs significantly increase suicidal thoughts and behavior, especially in teenagers and the elderly.

Children and adolescents taking these medications may experience agitation, panic attacks, extreme worry or restlessness, increased depression, suicidal thoughts, aggressive or frenzied behavior, or sleep difficulties. Patients taking SSRIs who experience any of these symptoms should receive immediate medical attention.

Other side effects of SSRIs include drowsiness, headache, sexual dysfunction, nausea, and fluctuations in weight and appetite. These side effects generally occur during the first few weeks, and may subside once the patient adapts to taking the drug.

SSRIs should not be taken with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) such as Marplan, Nardil and Selegiline, or with the pain medication Demerol or the antibiotic Zyvox because the combination of these drugs can cause severe, life-threatening high blood pressure.

While SSRIs are not addictive, they should not be stopped abruptly. Suddenly stopping the medication or even gradually decreasing the dose by 10 mg increments will result in SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome, with symptoms including dizziness, lightheadedness, nausea and vomiting, diarrhea, chills, muscle aches, headache, fatigue, disturbances in vision and a sensation of burning or prickling in the skin.

SSRI antidepressants can be helpful for alleviating some of the symptoms of depression, but individuals should be aware of the potential side effects of these medications.

Sources

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/ssris/MH00066
http://www.webmd.com/depression/ssris-myths-and-facts-about-antidepressants
http://www.anxiety-and-depression-solutions.com/articles/conventional/pharmaceutical/ssri.php
http://bipolar.about.com/cs/antidep/a/0207_ssridisc1.htm
http://www.antidepressantsfacts.com/ssriwork.htm