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SSRI Side Effects

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressants and anti-anxiety medications approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to treat a variety of mental illnesses. Most of these drugs are usually affordable and have a lower risk of side effects than some of the older antidepressants. Common SSRIs prescribed include Prozac, Paxil, Zoloft, Lexapro, and Luvox CR. These pills work as mood elevators to change the chemicals of the brain to help eliminate depression and/or anxiety. There are some possible side effects with any SSRI.

  1. Suicidal Feelings

    • SSRIs can exacerbate or create suicidal feelings in some people, according to MedlinePlus. People aged 18 to 24 are especially vulnerable to this emotional state. Children are especially susceptible to suicidal feelings from SSRIs, which is why most doctors do not use drugs such as Paxil in people under the age of 18. Adults can also experience suicidal ideation while on SSRIs.

    Serotonin Syndrome

    • A rare but serious potential side effect of SSRIs is serotonin syndrome in which too much of this mood elevator is created in the brain. The illness usually occurs through interaction of an SSRI with other drugs, such as Ultram, Imitrex, or the herb St. John's Wort, according to the Mayo Clinic. Symptoms include seizures, fever, confusion, restlessness, extreme agitation and increased heart rate. Possible serotonin syndrome requires immediate medical help.

    Sexual Dysfunction

    • Sexual dysfunction is one of the most commonly reported side effects of SSRI drugs, according to the Mayo Clinic. People taking drugs such as Prozac, Paxil, or Celexa have reported a loss of interest in sex. Women especially may also experience difficulty achieving an orgasm and men can have problems maintaining an erection.

    Common Side Effects

    • There are a number of common side effects associated with SSRI drugs such as Prozac and Celexa, according to the Mayo Clinic. Such symptoms include dry mouth, nausea, headache, diarrhea and nervousness. Other possible side effects are as follows: restlessness, agitation, increased sweating, weight gain, insomnia and drowsiness. Switching to a controlled-release SSRI or a different SSRI may help reduce or eliminate any experienced side effects.

    Withdrawal Symptoms

    • Though SSRIs are not considered addictive, it can be potentially dangerous to suddenly stop treatment, according to the Mayo Clinic. Withdrawal-like side effects may include nausea, headache, dizziness and lethargy. It is medically called discontinuation syndrome. Because of these possible side effects, stopping SSRIs should be done slowly with a doctor's assistance.

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