SSRI Options

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI, are common anti-depressants. Like all anti-depressant medications, SSRI influence how the brain chemically signals nerve cells that are part of a person's emotional center. Specifically, an SSRI medication focuses on serotonin. Reuptake is a medical phrase that means "re-absorption". An SSRI medication helps flush out serotonin from the brain before it is re-absorbed back into nerve cells. Inhibiting this process reduces depression symptoms.

Process

• Serotonin is an important neuro-transmitter, a chemical that sends information between brain cells. Neuro-transmitters work by being on balance with other brain chemicals. When there is too much or too little serotonin in a brain cell region, depression may be a result of such a chemical shift. SSRI drugs help move the serotonin to a healthy, balanced level, easing depressive symptoms.

Types

• The pharmaceutical market for SSRI medications are quite high. Many drug companies compete to create the most efficient or chemically specific SSRI medications. Common and recognizable brand names include Prozac, Zoloft, or Celexa. It should be noted that, like all drugs, there are some side effects to some common SSRI medications. Weight gain, insomnia, drowsiness, nausea, or reduced sexual desire are some of the side effects for certain SSRI drugs.

Non-Drug Options

• Although severe depression might require medication, there are non-drug options that people can take to alter the balance of serotonin in their bodies. The University of Bristol states that diets low in Omega-3 fatty acids lowers the amount of serotonin found in the body. A larger intake of Vitamin C also helps convert certain neuro-transmitters into serotonin.

Exercise

• Exercise also is a form of SSRI. Serotonin is produced in large amounts when the body engages in exercise. The brain produces and releases serotonin as a result of intensive muscular activity. The body does this to calm the muscles so the muscles do not overheat or over-stress themselves after physical activity ceases. Rigorous exercise, specifically aerobic exercise, is a natural SSRI to utilize.