Nature of SSRI Effects

Serotonin re-uptake inhibitors convey only one meaning. These medications actually impede a person’s serotonin catabolism. This will throw up serotonin levels in the body. Outside the brain serotonin, 90% of total serotonin quantity in the body is widely distributed throughout the body. This means that retarding action on serotonin activity occurs throughout the body, not just in the brain. Ninety percent of all serotonin in the body is in gastrointestinal or digestive track.

The inhibition activity on different neurotransmitters produces different adverse effects. The severity of adverse effects depends on the number of neurotransmitters that are blocked at a time. If norepinephrine re-absorption is blocked, a person may suffer from tachycardia, tremors, sexual dysfunction, etc., as side effects. Similarly, when dopamine reuptake is impeded, the side effects that may occur include movement disorders, endocrinal changes, etc. But, when serotonin re-absorption can be selectively retarded, then the above mentioned unnecessary side effects can be avoided.

This is where selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) come into reckoning. These will impede body serotonin catabolism. The neurotransmitter serotonin is known as a neurohormone as it controls the activities of endocrine glands in the body. Inhibiting serotonin activity means inhibiting endocrine activity. Serotonin also influences cardiovascular and respiratory systems. It is also present in blood platelets and triggers blood clotting. Additionally, it affects gut muscle contraction and vasoconstriction and vasodilation.

The antidepressant medications also affect receptors on nerves on the other side of the synaptic space. These receptors generally take in neurotransmitters. Retarding one category of receptors may cause sleepiness, weight increase, etc., while impairing other type may result in hazy sight, irregular bowel movements, memory impairment, mouth dryness, etc.

It is known that depression and serotonin levels have an inverse relationship. It is not clear which is the cause for a given effect. It is found that serotonin levels will be lower in depressed persons. But it can not be generalized to mean that low serotonin levels actually cause depression. It is true that by increasing the serotonin levels in the body, the depression in a person can be decreased. But it is possible that messing up with serotonin may also affect other neurotransmitters and the combined effect may give relief from depression in a person.

Side Effects of SSRI Medications

Some of the common SSRI medications include escitalopram oxalate, citalopram, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, sertraline and fluoxetine. There are some common side effects to all these medications, yet there are some typical effects specific to certain medications.

Doctors are observing long lasting side effects in patients than originally thought. Sleep disorders, weight increase and sexual impairment are some of the problems which continue till treatment lasts. This may be on of the reasons that the people discontinue treatment midway.

Escitalopram: The side effects are - Mental disturbance, obscuring of vision, liquid bowel movements, sleep disturbances, sleepiness, mouth dehydration, temperature, frequent voiding, cephalalgia, upset stomach, nausea, appetite changes, perspiration, sexual impairment, taste alterations, tremor, and weight changes.

Citalopram: The side effects are - Insomnia, mouth dehydration, nausea, sleepiness, perspiration, abnormal involuntary movements, liquid bowel movement, sexual side effects, nose infections, exhaustion, emesis, anxiety, lack of hunger, stomach pain, temperature, joint pains, etc.

Fluvoxamine: The side effects are - Nausea, sleepiness, giddiness, liquid bowel movements, sleep disturbances, costiveness, upset stomach, dry mouth, emesis, loss of appetite, mood changes, perspiration, severe exhaustion, uncontrolled movements, decreased interest in sex, black stools, hazy sight, easy bleeding, abnormal fast heartbeat, painful, prolonged erection, urinary retention. Allergic reactions include – rash, itching, inflammation, giddiness, breathing troubles, etc.

Paroxetine: The side effects are – Constipation, sexual impairment, diarrhea, giddiness, sleepiness, mouth dehydration, cephalalgia, perspiration, nausea; voiding difficulties, muscle spasms, sleep disturbances, abnormal exhaustion, nervousness; hazy sight, taste changes, loss/increase of appetite, numbing, weight loss or gain.

Sertraline: The side effects are - sleepiness, insomnia, giddiness, nervousness, tremors, skin rash, nausea, upset stomach, loss of appetite, cephalalgia, liquid bowel movements, mouth dehydration, and loss of weight, arrhythmia, allergic reactions and activation of mania in patients with bipolar disorder. It has been assumed that these inhibitors may cause depression to deteriorate further and even may lead to suicidal tendencies.

Fluoxetine: The side effects are – Mouth dehydration, costiveness, urinary retention, sedation, and weight gain, insomnia, restlessness, nausea, tension headaches, sexual impairment, fatigue and loss of memory.