More than one in 10 people in the United States take antidepressant medication. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are the most commonly prescribed option since they tend to have fewer side effects compared to other types.
SSRIs are safe and work best in conjunction with therapy. Read on to learn how SSRIs can help treat depression and other mental health conditions.
How do SSRIs work?
SSRIs increase serotonin, a chemical messenger in your brain that regulates your mood among other functions. After serotonin carries signals between brain cells, those cells usually reabsorb it in a process called “reuptake.” SSRIs block the reuptake process, which leaves more serotonin available to help regulate your mood.
Unlike some other types of antidepressants, which impact a variety of chemical messengers, SSRIs only affect serotonin levels.
Once you start taking SSRIs, it may take six to eight weeks for your symptoms to improve.
Which conditions are SSRIs approved to treat?
The Food and Drug Administration has approved SSRIs to treat depression, along with other mental health conditions like anxiety, bulimia, obsessive-compulsive disorder, premenstrual dysphoric disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Some health care providers may also prescribe SSRIs to treat chronic pain and other physical health conditions.
How well do SSRIs treat depression?
Research shows that SSRIs help treat depression, but their effectiveness varies widely based on the specific medication and the severity of patients’ symptoms. They work best in conjunction with therapy.
While SSRIs can be lifesaving, don’t expect to be “singing in the rain or sliding down rainbows” after starting antidepressants, said New York-based clinical pharmacist Margaret Tsopanarias in a January Psychology Today article. “We need to train ourselves to understand that these medications, at best, are going to make people feel well enough to begin implementing the structural life changes recommended by their therapists.”
If you’re not noticing improvements after starting SSRIs or you’re experiencing disruptive side effects, talk to your health care provider about other options.
“There is a lot of trial and error that goes into the pharmacological treatment of depression,” Tsopanarias said. “When one fails, fortunately, we have options for alternatives and add-ons.”
What are the side effects?
Some common side effects of SSRIs may include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Headache
- Weight changes
- Dizziness
- Sexual dysfunction
- Digestive problems
- Dry mouth
Rarely, SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome, a serious reaction that results from having too much serotonin in your body. Serotonin syndrome usually occurs when you take SSRIs along with other medications that increase serotonin, like some migraine medications, opioid pain medications, and illicit drugs. Talk to your health care provider about any medications you take before starting SSRIs.
Antidepressants, including SSRIs, carry an FDA warning about a risk of increased suicidal thoughts in some people under the age of 25. The warning was issued after an FDA analysis of clinical trials showed that some children and teens taking antidepressants experienced a slight increase in suicidal thoughts.
However, none of the children or teens in those studies died by suicide. Newer research suggests that the benefits of antidepressants like SSRIs may outweigh potential risks in young people.
Is it safe to take SSRIs during pregnancy or while breastfeeding?
Research shows that most SSRIs are safe during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and avoiding or discontinuing SSRIs comes with risks.
“Robust evidence has shown that SSRIs are safe in pregnancy and that most do not increase the risk of birth defects. However, untreated depression in pregnancy can put our patients at risk for substance use, preterm birth, preeclampsia, limited engagement in medical care and self-care, low birth weight, impaired attachment with their infant, and even suicide,” said the American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists in a July statement about the benefits of SSRIs during pregnancy.
“The best thing a pregnant individual could do for herself and her baby is to get the treatment that they need,” said Dr. Nancy Byatt, a perinatal psychiatrist at UMass Chan Medical School, in a July NBC News article.
If you are pregnant or breastfeeding, talk to your health care provider about any medications you take, including SSRIs.
How can I start SSRIs?
If you’re experiencing depression and are interested in trying antidepressant medication, talk to your health care provider about the best options for you. Your health care provider will likely ask you questions about your mental health, your medical history, and other medications you take.
In some cases, your health care provider may refer you to a psychiatrist for further evaluation.
How much do SSRIs cost?
The price of SSRIs can range from $4 to nearly $2,000 for a one-month supply, depending on which SSRI you take, your dosage, and your insurance coverage. You may be able to save money by taking the generic version of an SSRI rather than the brand name.
If you are uninsured or underinsured, talk to your health care provider about applying for a patient assistance program, which can help you pay for medication.
For more information, talk to your health care provider.
If you or anyone you know is considering suicide or self-harm or is anxious, depressed, or upset or needs to talk, call the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. For international resources, here is a good place to begin.