The Role of SSRIs in Managing Depression

According to the data presented by the World Health Organization in 2021, there are over 280 million people with depression worldwide, translating to about 3.8% of the world's population.

Is depression treatable? It is important to know and understand that depression is not curable. However, depression can be managed and treated with proper care, medications, and various treatment options. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs, in particular, is an antidepressant medication used to manage symptoms of depression. Continue reading to learn more about the role of SSRIs in managing depression.

How SSRIs Work

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter responsible for various biological functions related to mood modulations, memory, and other psychological processes. Therefore, the lack of this neurotransmitter can negatively affect individual emotions and other biological, physical, and psychological functions, possibly leading to the development of mental health conditions like depression.

Although serotonin plays a vital role in one's emotional stability, know that the cause of depression can be a combination of numerous biological, environmental, and psychological factors. Either way, when one has depression, disruption in the serotonin balance and activity may happen, thus the need for antidepressant medication like SSRIs to rebalance brain chemistry and mood regulation.

SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake, which is the process of reabsorption of the released neurotransmitter in the synapse (the gap between neurons that allows transmission of signals). By blocking the reuptake, it enables the availability of more serotonin between neurons for the effective transmission of signals and messages.

Types

The Food and Drug Administration has approved several SSRIs medication to help provide treatment medication choices to people diagnosed with depression. The approval of these medications includes thorough study and testing to ensure the safety and effectiveness of use. Of course, the prescription of SSRIs requires proper consultation and diagnosis by a psychiatrist to provide proper treatment plans and medication for the patient.

The following types of SSRI medication include Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Sertraline, and Paroxetine. These medications are used to improve and balance the serotonin level of people with conditions not only limited to depression but also other mental health conditions that fall under the categories of mood disorders, personality disorders, feeding and eating disorders, etc.

These SSRI prescriptions may be given depending on the patient's response to medication, the conditions' severity, and further testing results. Moreover, these medications may differ according to usage, commonly discussed further in medication guides provided by doctors or pharmacists. Doctors may also adjust the prescription or create alternative treatment plans if needed, should there be no improvement or observable changes in the patient.

Undoubtedly, mental health treatment, medication, and other interventions can be costly. With that, various prescription discounts using a Citalopram HBR Coupon and other SSRI medication coupons are made available to help patients have adequate access to affordable medication treatments they need.

Side Effects

Similarly, with the effectiveness of the SSRI, the side effects may also differ from one person to another. Given that the medication may cause a significant change in an individual's serotonin functions and processes, a person taking SSRIs may experience numerous side effects, also called the serotonergic effect. These side effects may include nausea, drowsiness, headache, restlessness, loss of appetite, rashes, mouth dryness, and many others.

Aside from the common adverse effects, some people may also develop more serious side effects like insomnia, high blood pressure, and sexual problems and dysfunction. It is vital to be aware that these side effects may or may not affect a patient, ranging from moderate to severe. These effects further pose the importance of doctor-to-patient communication to ensure proper education and awareness before taking any prescription.

Caution

During a consultation, it is important that openness is practiced so your doctor can provide you with the right treatment. One important caution to remember during consultation and before taking SSRIs is to tell your doctor about the medication you are currently taking, if there are any, be it an antidepressant, supplements, or others.

This is a vital step as a drug interaction between the SSRIs, and other medications may produce negative reactions inside your body that can affect your overall health or minimize the effectiveness of the drugs taken.

In the case of double or multiple medication intakes that contain serotonin, conditions like Serotonin Syndrome may be developed. This condition is primarily caused by combining serotonin-containing medications that, aside from antidepressants, are migraine medications, dietary supplements, etc.

Conclusion

Despite the growing number of depression cases, many still lack access to basic care and treatment due to existing stigma, lack of awareness, and unavailability of resources. But, with the availability of common and approved medication for depression, like SSRIs, people affected by the condition can access the necessary treatments.

Having enough knowledge about how it works and other significant information that comes with it can help you better understand how it can manage your condition. If you need professional help, always call or consult a doctor to get proper action and needed treatment.