Mental Health Medication: 6 Things to Know About SSRIs

The time has come for people to be much more comfortable when it comes to talking about their mental health. Sure, there is still some stigma to deal with, but we cannot deny the fact that we have all become much more aware of the importance of our psychological wellbeing, and that we are now freer to discuss this, not only with our friends, but also with professionals, as well as to get the help we need and deserve when we are struggling. Click this to get some ideas on how to improve your mental health.

While in the past people were ashamed to talk about their struggles, and to get the help they need, both in the form of therapy and in the form of medications, things are, fortunately, changing nowadays. And, a lot of individuals understand the significance of not only going to therapy, but also taking some medications when that is necessary. Such as, for example, SSRIs.

These have become so well known today that they are discussed wide outside the professional range. In the simplest words possible, almost everyone nowadays is familiar with SSRIs, either because they have been taking them, because someone they know has been taking them, or simply because they are curious about mental health in general, meaning that they must have heard about these drugs already. Anyway, if you have heard about them as well, for one reason or another, chances are that you are a bit curious and that you want to find out more.

In other words, you understand the difference between simply hearing about these and actually understanding them. So, you are here because you want to do some learning. And, if that is the case, then you have come to the right place. Below I am going to tell you more about SSRIs, sharing facts about them that you absolutely need to know, either because you’ve started taking them, or because you’re just thirsty for knowledge. Let us, thus, get started.

This could also help you get a better understanding: https://www.news-medical.net/health/SSRIs-How-They-Work.aspx 

1. They Are a New Class of Antidepressants

Let us begin with the basics. In short, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, that is, SSRIs, are basically a new class of antidepressants, developed in the 1980s. work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, meaning that more of it is left active, the goal of which is to balance the levels of this neurotransmitter in your brain, in an effort to help reduce certain symptoms. They are a big step up compared to some older classes that have often been associated with some serious and frustrating side-effects. SSRIs

2. They Are Well-Tolerated and Safe

Why are they a big step up when compared to some of those older classes, though? Well, to put things simply, they are quite well-tolerated and quite safe, which wasn’t always the case with the older medications. They are also safer in overdose than the older antidepressants, and they are suitable for long-term use if the patient needs that. Of course, we cannot fail to mention that they are also rather effective, so patients are sure to experience some improvements when they start taking them.

3. They Help Treat a Wide Variety of Mental Health Conditions

But, what can patients take them for? Or, better yet, what is it that these are usually prescribed for? Well, first things first, they are used to treat major depression, and I am sure that this was logical to you, given that they are a class of antidepressants. But then, they can also be prescribed for various anxiety disorders, such as generalized anxiety disorder, social anxiety and similar. On top of that, they are often prescribed for PTSD, as well as for OCD in higher doses.

4. It Takes Some Time for Them to Work

I have mentioned above that patients are bound to feel some improvements when they start taking these medications. Yet, understanding SSRI Medications with GeneSight or generally learning more about them will lead you to figuring out that those effects won’t be instant. In short, it takes some time for these drugs to work, and you can usually expect to notice first improvements after 4 to 6 weeks.

5. Side-Effects Are Usually Mild and Short-Lived

If you’re worried about side-effects, here’s what you should know. They are usually mild and short-lived. And, they include symptoms like nausea, headaches, sleep disturbances, fatigue or restlessness, and similar. Those usually fade, though, when your body adapts.

6. One Drug Doesn’t Work the Same for Everyone

Finally, you should understand that one SSRI won’t work the same for everyone. This is why a personalized approach to prescribing these medications is necessary, and your doctor will follow your response in order to adjust. It is also why genetic testing is often done, in order to try and predict how you will react to these medications.