Understanding SSRIs: What They Are, How They Work & What They Treat

If you have done any kind of research on the medications that are prescribed for various kinds of mental health conditions, then you must have come across numerous classes. Among them are, of course, antidepressants. But then, there are also different classes of antidepressants out there, with SSRIs being among the most popular ones today, so there is no doubt that you have come across them during your researching process.

So, you have undoubtedly become curious. In the simplest words possible, you have become interested in understanding the impact of SSRIs on Overall Health, and in generally understanding these medications better. Whether you have been prescribed an SSRI, or someone you know and love is taking it, or you’re simply a curious mind, there is no denying the fact that you want to know more. After all, you wouldn’t be here if that weren’t the case.

First things first, you want to understand what SSRIs actually are. Then, you want to know how they work, as well as what it is that they are usually used to treat. And, well, those are all rather important questions right there. What we are going to do right now, thus, is provide you with the answers, hoping to help you get a better idea about everything you need to know about these particular medications. Without any additional ado, thus, let us get started.

What Exactly Are SSRIs?

Clearly, we are going to begin with the very basics. After all, there would be no point in talking about how these medications work if you don’t really understand what they are in the first place. The good thing, though, is that understanding that certainly won’t be difficult. So, let’s cut to the chase.

Basically, Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants that are designed to increase the activity of serotonin. Serotonin is one of the brain’s main chemical messengers, and it helps regulate your mood, your sleep, appetite, digestion, as well as memory and emotions. And, when the balance of serotonin in your body is disrupted, that can contribute to some symptoms of anxiety and depression.

Here’s a bit more on these medications: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Selective_serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor 

These were developed fairly recently, in the 1980s, meaning that they are a new class of antidepressants. And, they are nowadays usually the first line of medications for various mental health conditions, given that they are pretty well-tolerated, effective, safer than some older classes, as well as suitable for prolonged use when that is necessary. You may have already heard about some of these, such as Prozac, Zoloft, Lexapro and similar.

How Do They Work?

Okay, let us now move on to the next important question here. You probably want to know how these actually work in your body. And, the name pretty much says it all, but let me make the mechanism clear anyway. After all, you are probably here for the details. So, let’s share the details.

Basically, SSRIs work by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin once it has been released. That way, they ensure that you have enough of this neurotransmitter active, which, as you may have guessed it, then works towards regulating your mood, your sleep, your appetite, and all of those other things that we have mentioned serotonin is good for. As you can see, thus, the mechanism of work behind these drugs is fairly simple, and there is no doubt in my mind that you have understood it.

Another thing to know here is that, while you will get an almost instant increase in the level of serotonin, it takes some time for these drugs to actually work. That is, for you to notice an improvement. This is because your brain needs to adapt to the new situation. So, usually, it takes around 4 to six weeks for you to start noticing a reduction in symptoms and an improvement in your mood. Find out more about these medications.

What Are They Prescribed for?

Moving on to the next question. Basically, now that you understand what SSRIs are and how they work, you want to know what it is that they are usually prescribed for. And, well, since we are talking about antidepressants, you probably get already that they are used to treat depression, or, more specifically, the major depressive disorder.

That, however, is not all. Apart from that, these medications can help with chronic worry, restlessness, and fear, which is why they are also prescribed for generalized anxiety disorder, as well as for other types of anxiety disorders, and panic attacks. Furthermore, some SSRIs, have shown to be effective for helping with treating PTSD. And then, they are sometimes prescribed for OCD as well, although at higher doses. As you can see, they can be used for a variety of mental health issues, and they can certainly positively affect our overall health.