Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are medicines that relieve symptoms of depression.
Purpose
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are used to treat serious, continuing depression that interferes with a person's ability to function. Like other antidepressant drugs, they help reduce the extreme sadness, hopelessness, and lack of interest in life that are typical in people with depression. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors also are used to treat panic disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), and have shown promise for treating a variety of other conditions, such as premenstrual syndrome, eating disorders, obesity, self-mutilation, and migraine headache.
Description
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs or serotonin boosters, are thought to work by correcting chemical imbalances in the brain. Normally, chemicals called neurotransmitters carry signals from one nerve cell to another. These chemicals are constantly being released and taken back up at the ends of nerve cells. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors act on one particular neurotransmitter, serotonin, reducing its re-entry into nerve cells and thus allowing serotonin to build up. Although scientists are not exactly sure how it works, serotonin is involved in the control of moods, as well as other functions such as sleep, body temperature, and appetite for sweets and other carbohydrates. Somehow, drugs that prevent the uptake of serotonin improve the moods of people with serious depression, OCD, and some types of anxiety disorders.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are available only with a doctor's prescription and are sold in tablet, capsule, and liquid forms. Commonly used selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are fluoxetine (Prozac), paroxetine (Paxil), sertraline (Zoloft), and fluvoxamine (Luvox).
Recommended dosage
The recommended dosage depends on the type of SSRI and the type and severity of depression for which it is being taken. Dosages may be different for different people. It is important for people taking SSRIs to take the drug exactly as prescribed. Taking larger or more frequent doses or taking the drug for longer than directed, for example, can cause unwanted effects.
SSRIs are about as effective as other antidepressants. About 60-80% of people taking the drugs as directed will find that their conditions improve. However, it may take four weeks or more for the effects of this medicine to be felt. Therefore, when people begin SSRI therapy, it is important to continue taking the medication, even if an improvement in mood doesn't begin immediately.
People who take SSRIs should ask their doctors about how to stop taking the medication. Usually, doctors advise patients to taper down gradually to reduce the chance of withdrawal symptoms.
SSRIs may be taken with food to prevent stomach upset.
Precautions
There have been reports that some patients taking SSRIs have an increase in thoughts about suicide. It is not clear whether the medicine causes this effect because suicidal thoughts are very often a part of depression itself. While some patients may experience worsening of such thoughts early in the treatment of their depression, there is no credible evidence that SSRIs alone cause people to become suicidal or violent.
Serious and possibly life-threatening reactions may occur when SSRIs are used in combination with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAO inhibitors), such as Nardil and Parnate, which also are used to treat depression. These reactions also are possible when a person stops taking an SSRI and immediately begins taking an MAOI. SSRIs and MAO inhibitors should never be taken at the same time. When switching from an SSRI to an MAOI or vice versa, it may be necessary to allow two to five weeks or more between stopping one and starting the other. The physician prescribing the medications should tell the patient exactly how much time to allow before beginning the other medication.
It is important to see a doctor regularly while taking SSRIs. The doctor will check to make sure the medicine is working as it should and will watch for unwanted side effects. The doctor may also need to adjust the dosage during this period.
Some people feel drowsy, dizzy, or lightheaded when using SSRIs. The drugs may also cause blurred vision in some people. Since SSRIs can sometimes cause drowsiness, driving or operating heavy machinery should be undertaken cautiously, particularly when the person first begins taking the medication.
These medicines make some people feel lightheaded, dizzy, or faint when they get up after sitting or lying down, a condition known as orthostatic hypotension. People may try to lessen the problem by getting up gradually and holding onto something for support if possible. If the problem is severe or doesn't improve, the patient should discuss it with his or her doctor.
Because SSRIs work on the central nervous system, they may add to the effects of alcohol and other drugs that slow down the central nervous system, such as anti-histamines, cold medicine, allergy medicine, sleep aids, medicine for seizures, tranquilizers, some pain relievers, and muscle relaxants. They may also add to the effects of anesthetics, including those used for dental procedures. Anyone taking SSRIs should check with his or her doctor before taking any of the drugs mentioned above.
SSRIs may occasionally cause dry mouth, although this side effect is much more common with an older class of antidepressants known as tricyclics. To temporarily relieve the discomfort, doctors sometimes suggest chewing sugarless gum, sucking on sugarless candy or ice chips, or using saliva substitutes, which come in liquid and tablet forms and are available without a prescription. If the problem continues for more than two weeks, check with a doctor or dentist. Mouth dryness that continues over a long time may contribute to tooth decay and other dental problems.
Changes in sexual functioning are among the more common side effects with SSRIs. Depending on the particular SSRI prescribed, 8-15% of patients may report these side effects. The most common problem for men is delayed ejaculation. Women may be unable to have orgasms. A doctor should be contacted if any changes in sexual functioning occur.
Special conditions
People with certain medical conditions or who are taking certain other medicines can have problems if they take SSRIs. Before taking these drugs, a patient should let the doctor know about any of these conditions:
ALLERGIES. Anyone who has had unusual reactions to SSRIs in the past should let his or her doctor know before taking the drugs again. The doctor should also be told about any allergies to foods, dyes, preservatives, or other substances.
PREGNANCY. In studies of laboratory animals, some SSRIs have caused miscarriage and other problems in pregnant females and their offspring. However, at least two studies in humans (by Pastuszak in 1993 and Kuhlin in 1998) have shown SSRIs to be safe during pregnancy. Still, women who are pregnant or who may become pregnant should check with their doctors before using SSRIs.
BREASTFEEDING. SSRIs pass into breast milk and some may occasionally cause unwanted side effects in nursing babies whose mothers take the drugs. These effects include vomiting, watery stools, crying, and sleep problems. Women who are breastfeeding should talk to their doctors about the use of SSRIs. They may need to switch to a different medicine while breastfeeding. If SSRIs must be taken, it may be necessary to stop breast-feeding while being treated with these drugs. However, several studies in people (for example, Yoshida in 1998) have indicated that SSRIs in breast milk have no effect on infant development.
DIABETES. SSRIs may affect blood sugar levels. People with diabetes who notice changes in their blood or urine tests while taking this medicine should check with their doctors.
OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS. Before using SSRIs, people with any of these medical problems should make sure their doctors are aware of their conditions: diabetes, kidney disease, liver disease, seizure disorders, current or past drug abuse or dependence, or diseases or conditions that affect the metabolism or blood circulation.
Side effects
The most common side effects are anxiety and nervousness (reported by 5–13% of people taking various SSRIs), tremor (5–14%), trouble sleeping (2–8%), tiredness or weakness (4–15%), nausea (11–26%), diarrhea (11–26%), constipation (1–8%), loss of appetite (3–18%), weight loss (1–13%), dry mouth (10–22%), headache (1–5%), sweating (5–9%), trouble urinating (1–2%), and decreased sexual ability (8–15%). Many of these problems diminish or disappear as the body adjusts to the drug and do not require medical treatment unless they interfere with normal activities. Persistent problems, such as sexual dysfunction, should be discussed with the doctor.
More serious side effects are possible, but extremely rare. People taking SSRIs who notice unusual joint or muscle pain; breathing problems; chills or fever; excessive excitement, fast talking, or actions that are out of control; or mood swings should contact their doctors. People who develop skin rashes or hives after taking an SSRI should stop taking the medication and contact their doctors as soon as possible. Other rare side effects may occur. Anyone who has unusual symptoms after taking an SSRI should get in touch with his or her doctor.
Side effects may continue for some time after treatment with this medicine ends. How long the effects continue depends on how long the drug was taken and how much of it was used. In most cases, doctors recommend that patients taper off SSRIs rather than abruptly discontinuing them, which usually prevents any withdrawal symptoms. People who experience agitation, confusion, or restlessness; dizziness or lightheadedness; vision problems; tremor; sleep problems; unusual tiredness or weakness; nausea and vomiting or diarrhea; headache; excessive sweating; runny nose; or muscle pain for more than a few days after stopping or tapering an SSRI should consult their doctors.
Drug interactions
SSRIs may interact with other medicines. When this happens, the effects of one or both of the drugs may change or the risk of side effects may be greater. Anyone who takes SSRIs should let the doctor know about all other medicines he or she is taking. Among the drugs that may interact with SSRIs are:
Central nervous system (CNS) depressants such as medicine for allergies, colds, hay fever, and asthma; sedatives; tranquilizers; prescription pain medicine; muscle relaxants; medicine for seizures; sleep aids; barbiturates; and anesthetics.
the food supplement (and sleep aid) tryptophan, which has been withdrawn from the United States market, but may be found in some herbal preparations
digitalis and other heart medicines
The list above does not include every drug that may interact with SSRIs. Patients should be sure to check with a doctor or pharmacist before combining SSRIs with any other prescription or nonprescription (over-the-counter) medicine.
BOOKS
Maxmen, Jerrold S., and Nicholas G. Ward. Psychotropic Drugs Fast Facts. 2nd ed. New York: W. W. Norton & Co.,1995.
Pies, Ronald W. Handbook of Essential Psychopharmacology. Washington, DC: American Psychiatric Press, Inc.
PERIODICALS
Barondes, Samuel H. "Thinking about Prozac." Science 263 (25 Feb.1994): 1102.
Kramer, Peter D. "The Transformation of Personality." Psychology Today 26 (July/Aug. 1993): 42.
Mauro, James, and Peter Breggin. "And Prozac for all…" Psychology Today 27 (July/Aug. 1994): 44.
Vallone, Doris C. "SSRIs: When comforting words aren't enough." Nursing 27 (Dec. 1997): 50.
Nancy Ross-Flanigan
KEY TERMS
Anesthetic—Medicine that causes a loss of feeling, especially of pain. Some anesthetics also cause a loss of consciousness.
Anxiety—Worry or tension in response to real or imagined stress, danger, or dreaded situations. Physical reactions, such as fast pulse, sweating, trembling, fatigue, and weakness may accompany anxiety.
Central nervous system—The brain and spinal cord.
Depression—A mental condition in which people feel extremely sad and lose interest in life. People with depression may also have sleep problems and loss of appetite and may have trouble concentrating and carrying out everyday activities.
Metabolism—All the physical and chemical changes that occur in cells to allow growth and maintain body functions. These include processes that break down substances to yield energy and processes that build up other substances necessary for life.
Obsessive-compulsive disorder—An anxiety disorder in which people cannot prevent themselves from dwelling on unwanted thoughts, acting on urges, or performing repetitious rituals, such as washing their hands or checking to make sure they turned off the lights.
Premenstrual syndrome—(PMS) A set of symptoms that occur in some women 2-14 days before they begin menstruating each month. Symptoms include headache, fatigue, irritability, depression, abdominal bloating, and breast tenderness.
