Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is a newly developed antidepressant which is used to treat the symptoms of depression. These symptoms include sadness and irritability. The first drug in the class of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) was fluoxetine (Prozac), which hit the U.S. market in 1987.
Doctors or researchers are not sure how Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) affect depression. Certain brain cells called neurotransmitters are associated with depression. SSRIs are used to relieve symptoms of depression by blocking the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain. This enhances neurotransmission, which is the sending of nerve impulses, and improves the mood. SSRIs are called selective because they only affect the serotonin and not the neurotransmitters.
Some Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration specifically to treat depression. Some of the available brand names are Citalopram (Celexa), Escitalopram (Lexapro), Fluoxetine (Prozac, Prozac Weekly), Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR) and Sertraline (Zoloft).
There are certain side effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs). These include Nausea, Sexual dysfunction, including reduced desire or orgasm difficulties. It also causes Headache, Diarrhea, Nervousness, Rash, Agitation, Restlessness, Increased sweating, Weight gain, Drowsiness and Insomnia. A person may also experience nausea with controlled-release forms of SSRIs.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are not considered to be addictive. However, if a person stops the medicine suddenly, he will face symptoms like nausea, headache, dizziness, lethargy or flu-like symptoms. These are known as discontinuation syndromes.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are considered safer than other antidepressants. An overdose of one of these drugs may be less harmful. However, it should be kept in mind that SSRIs have different pharmacological characteristics. Thus, a person may respond differently to certain SSRIs or experience different side effects with different SSRIs.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is harmful for pregnant women or nursing mothers. This medicine may increase the risk of persistent pulmonary hypertension. The risk is higher in case of women who take SSRIs at 20 weeks or later in their pregnancy. This medicine may result in a rare but serious lung problems in the newborn baby's circulatory system. In such a case the baby cannot adapt to breathing outside the womb.
Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) is an antidepressants which is associated with suicidal thoughts or behavior. This symptom may occur at any time during the treatment. If a patient experiences any such symptoms while taking the medicine,a doctor should immediately be consulted. Careful monitoring is required in order to cope up with this symptom.
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