Basic Description of SSRIs: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors -- SSRIs -- are medications that primarily affect serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain.
The SSRIs work by inhibiting or blocking the reuptake of serotonin by the neurons in the brain. This way, serotonin levels are increased. Each of the SSRIs has a different chemical structure, so each acts a bit differently. One SSRI may work well for one person, but not for another.
Why SSRIs Are Prescribed: Some researchers believe that people with depression and people with panic disorder share a common problem: low levels of serotonin. Although SSRIs were developed originally for depression, doctors and researchers found that they help with panic disorder as well. In fact, Zoloft and Paxil CR have been approved by the FDA for panic disorder. It is not uncommon, also, for people with panic disorder to experience depression, so an SSRI may help both problems at once.
Side Effects of SSRIs: Many people find that SSRIs cause fewer side effects than the older tricyclic antidepressants. Therefore, many doctors and psychiatrists will try SSRIs first in panic disorder (and depression) treatment.
Common side effects of the SSRIs are:
- Sexual dysfunction or problems in both women and men
- Headache
- Nausea
- Insomnia
- Nervousness and/or agitation
What to Do About Side Effects: These side effects usually diminish with time. Your doctor should know about any side effects, particularly if they persist.
Side effects may be reduced by using smaller dosages, particularly for people with panic disorder. Changing the time of day the medication is taken may help with the insomnia problem. Agitation may be a serious problem, and you should let your doctor know right away if the side effect doesn't go away quickly.
Sexual Dysfunction and SSRIs: Sexual dysfunction is not a side effect you need to "put up with" in order to be successfully treated for panic disorder. This side effect may be eliminated with a medication change, the addition of other medications, or a dosage reduction. Even if one SSRI causes this side effect for you, it doesn't mean the others will as well. More information about sexual dysfunction may be found here.
The SSRIs:
- Celexa (citalopram)
- Lexapro (escitalopram, Cipralex)
- Luvox (fluvoxamine)
- Paxil (paroxetine, Seroxat, Aropax)
- Prozac (fluoxetine)
- Zoloft (sertraline, Lustral)
"Medications." The National Institute of Mental Health. 08 Feb 2007. 26 Jul 2007.
