What
is an SSRI?
Bethany Jordin - 1/25/2009
If you are seeking treatment for anxiety, depression, PTSD, bulimia, or OCD, chances are you will ask the question
“What is an SSRI?” at some point during your treatment. This question and the answer you find may play a pivotal
role in your ability to overcome and/or live with the condition from which you suffer. SSRI stands for selective
serotonin reuptake inhibitor. Since many in the medical community believe that serotonin serves as a
neurotransmitter that plays an important role in the modulation of aggression, anger, appetite, body temperature,
metabolism, mood, and sexuality you can see why it would play such a vital role in helping treat depression,
anxiety, and some compulsive or panic disorders.
The question of what is an SSRI still remains though. Hopefully you will find your answers below.
The SSRI is the answer to the MAOI or monoamine oxidase inhibitor. MAOIs were once much more widely prescribed to
treat depression than they are now. The reason is that despite their effectiveness for treating depression,
anxiety, and other similar conditions, the side effects and interaction problems were so widespread and severe that
many patients felt the depression was more tolerable than the side effects or limitations posed by the medication.
SSRIs work to regulate the chemical makeup of the brain but do so without as many side effects and with far fewer
interaction problems. That does not mean to say that there are no side effects with SSRIs or even that there are
few. There are simply many fewer than experienced with MAOIs.
SSRIs are commonly prescribed to treat the following conditions: clinical depression, general and social
anxiety disorders, OCD (obsessive-compulsive disorder), panic disorders, chronic pain, bulimia, and PTSD (post
traumatic stress disorder).
Though there are many fewer risks of interactions with other medications when taking SSRIs that doesn't mean that
there isn't a sizable list of medications that shouldn't be combined with this medication. The first medications
you should seek to avoid while taking SSRIs are MAOIs. Unfortunately the list doesn't end there. These are only
some of the medications that may result in interaction issues when taking SSRIs. Be sure to discuss any and all
medications (prescription, over the counter, or street medications) with your physician in order to avoid
potentially lethal interactions. Also carefully consider combining any of these medications with SSRIs: Coumadin,
Rythmol, Tambocor, Toprol XL, Inderal, Elavil, Valium, Xanax, Tegretol, Propulsid, Clozaril, Neoral, Haldol,
Dilantin, Orap, and Theo-dur.
You should also avoid combining SSRIs with water pills, alcohol consumption, Sudafed (and other drugs like it),
ecstasy, Ambien, and aspirin. Even over the counter medications that are widely available can cause serious damage
if not death and should not be taken in combination with SSRIs. You should also know that there is a slightly
elevated risk of deepening depression and thoughts of suicide that has been associated with SSRIs particularly in
patients under the age of 25. Be sure to watch for signs of worsening depression, increases in anxiety, or thoughts
of suicide and consult your physician immediately if they arise. What is an SSRI? It's a medication that can make a
big difference in the lives of many when used properly but that has plenty of side effects to watch out
for.
About the author:
Bethany Jordan is an Information Technology professional and aspiring writer who was clinically diagnosed with SAD
(Social Anxiety Disorder) in 2007.
Source: http://www.naturalantidepressants.info
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