What are SSRIs? Eleanor Health

What are SSRIs?

Medically Reviewed by Nzinga Harrison, MD

October 27, 2022 · 9 mins read

In This Article

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, are a widely used type of medication primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. SSRIs are popular because they tend not to produce many serious side effects or dependency issues like other medications. Although they are so commonly used, it is still essential to know the specific properties of SSRIs to learn what they are doing to your body and mind. Keep reading for an overview all about SSRIs!

What is Anxiety?

Anxiety is a natural and healthy feeling. It derives from our innate human response to potential dangers. However, when the anxiety presents itself in response to stimuli that are not dangerous or threatening and becomes disruptive to your daily functioning, it can turn into an anxiety disorder:

  1. Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD): GAD is categorized by excessive and persistent worry and anxiety about non-threatening stimuli. The stimuli that cause anxiety in GAD sufferers would not emit that response in the average individual. People with GAD may experience extensive worry, rumination, and physical anxiety symptoms due to mundane stimuli.
  2. Social Anxiety Disorder: Symptoms are similar to GAD, except a non-threatening social situation triggers them. For example, someone with healthy anxiety may sweat or worry before a big presentation in front of a group.
  3. Panic Disorder: Characterized by persistent panic attacks, which are sudden and extreme feelings of fear that cause physical anxiety symptoms like chest pain and rapid breathing.

What is Depression?

Depression is a serious mental illness that negatively impacts how one feels, thinks, and acts regarding their experiences. Here are the most common types of depression and how they can appear:

  1. Situational Depression: A transient condition triggered by a distressing event.
  2. Major Depressive Disorder (MDD): Persistent depressive moods often accompanied by loss of interest and physical symptoms.
  3. Seasonal Depression: Symptoms flare up in particular seasons, typically winter.
  4. Persistent Depressive Disorder: Experience of depression symptoms for two consecutive years.
  5. Postpartum Depression: Occurring after childbirth, with symptoms lasting for months.

How do SSRIs work?

SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that carries messages from your nerve cells, affecting mood, emotions, ability to sleep, sex drive, and memory. Taking SSRIs helps increase your serotonin levels, improving mood and aiding in the regulation of anxiety and depression.

SSRIs for Anxiety and Depression

Commonly prescribed SSRIs include:

SSRI Side Effects

Although SSRIs are generally safe, some can cause significant side effects. Most people experience mild side effects such as nausea during the first few weeks, which tend to subside over time.

Common/Mild Side Effects:

Uncommon/Serious Side Effects:

SSRI Withdrawal Symptoms

Stopping treatment abruptly can create withdrawal-like symptoms called "Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome." Common symptoms are:

If you think that SSRIs may benefit you, reach out to your healthcare provider to find the right medication for you!

Nzinga Harrison, MD

Dr. Harrison serves as the Chief Medical Officer and Co-founder for Eleanor Health. She is a double-board certified physician with specialties in general adult psychiatry and addiction medicine. Dr. Harrison has spent her career treating individuals from marginalized communities.