SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors)

Introduction

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are medicines used to treat depression and other mood-related disorders.

SSRIs may be taken for:

  • moderate and severe depression
  • generalised anxiety disorder
  • obsessive compulsive disorder

Also, some SSRIs may be taken for:

  • the eating disorder bulimia nervosa (fluoxetine)
  • panic disorder (citalopram, escitalopram and paroxetine)
  • post-traumatic stress disorder (paroxetine and sertraline)

How they work

SSRIs boost levels of a substance called serotonin in the brain.

When serotonin is released in the brain, it helps lift mood. It is thought that people with depression release only small amounts of serotonin. The SSRIs prevent the reuptake (absorption) of serotonin back into the nerve cells.

It may take two to four weeks for an SSRI to start improving your mood. You should continue taking your SSRI even if it does not seem to work at first. Sometimes, the symptoms of depression get worse before the SSRI can have an effect. Talk to your doctor if your depression gets worse or if you have any thoughts of suicide or self-harm.

Once your depression lifts, your doctor will advise you to continue taking the SSRI for at least a further four to six months, as this reduces the chance of a relapse of your depression after you stop taking the SSRI.

Also, when you stop taking an SSRI, your doctor will advise you to reduce the dose gradually over a number of weeks or months to avoid withdrawal effects (see SSRIs - side effects for more information). Do not stop taking an SSRI suddenly without talking to your doctor.

It is not fully understood how SSRIs help treat anxiety disorders, bulimia, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorders or post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Names

There are several different SSRIs. Names include:

  • citalopram (brand name Cipramil)
  • escitalopram (brand name Cipralex)
  • fluoxetine (brand name Prozac)
  • fluvoxamine (brand name Faverin)
  • paroxetine (brand name Seroxat)
  • sertraline (brand name Lustral)

Glossary

Depression
Depression is when you have feelings of extreme sadness, despair or inadequacy that last for a long time.
Anxiety
Anxiety is an unpleasant feeling when you feel worried, uneasy or distressed about something that may or may not be about to happen.
Last updated: 09 May 2012

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