What Are SSRI

SSRI is the name of a class of antidepressants that are designed to combat the effects of depression, anxiety and other personality disorders. SSRI actually stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, and this is exactly what they do. They inhibit the absorption process of serotonin into the brain, environmental causes of depression, and, therefore, the patient gets to feel a serotonin boost, which, otherwise, would not have been experienced. Even if they play such a great role in using the reserve of natural antidepressant the brain has, SSRIs are not without side effects. The following SSRI information contains both the ups and downs of using this type of medication.

SSRI effects on serotonin metabolism

Serotonin is considered to be the best natural antidepressant and for good reasons. As long as serotonin production and metabolism are kept in good working order, one will experience sensations of well being, will sleep well, eat well, and generally will do anything they like without feeling extreme fatigue or irritability. However, when a depression episode occurs, a serotonin boost is not a bad thing. This can be granted by SSRI medicines that can inhibit the process of reuptake of serotonin stupor depression into the brain. As they do that, the natural antidepressant remains in a brain area known as the synaptic cleft. As long as the serotonin is kept captive this way, the person taking SSRI medication will feel less depressed. This is the most important of SSRI effects on serotonin metabolism and the main purpose they have been created for.

Possible SSRI side effects

Although they are a great provider of a serotonin boost, SSRI can have side effects that are not so pleasant. Such SSRI effects include headaches, stomach pains, inability to fall asleep, inability to reach orgasm during sex, irritability, nausea, and weight gain. Usually, these side effects disappear after the body starts adjusting to the new medication, according to the SSRI information provided by medical sources. However, if you have tried a certain medication and these effects do not show any sign of becoming weaker, it is time to address the issue to your doctor, and have the prescription changed.

Interaction between SSRI and other medicines for depression

SSRI are made to fight depression, but they should not be taken along with other drugs for the same affliction. The most dangerous combination is between SSRI effects and those delivered by monoamine oxidase inhibitors. While the serotonin boost can be significant, the after effects can be dire. A condition called serotonin syndrome can occur, and its most common symptoms are hallucinations, sweating, fever, confusion, and an unusual state of agitation. The most severe consequences of serotonin syndrome are coma and seizures, which means that serotonin syndrome is a life-threatening condition. Always tell your doctor about the medication you have been on, before asking for a prescription, to avoid such bad things from happening to you. No matter how good the flush of natural antidepressant may feel, experiencing such severe consequences is not to be taken lightly. Ask for more SSRI information, if needed, so you do not become a victim of a dangerous combination of medications.