Serotonin is a neurotransmitter created in the brain that impacts multiple body functions. Cardiovascular, renal, immune and gastrointestinal processes are all influenced by serotonin production. In addition, any imbalance in serotonin affects the brain and may result in a variety of psychological disorders. The primary mode of serotonin treatment is through oral medications.
Function
It is still unclear exactly how SSRI medications affect mood. According to the Mayo Clinic, SSRIs may improve mood because they block the reabsorption of serotonin by certain cells in the brain. Because of the decreased reabsorption, or reuptake, there is more serotonin available for use in the brain. This enhances the sending of impulses in the brain, resulting in improved mood. SSRIs may also decrease the brain's sensitivity to glutamate, a nonessential amino acid. This may prevent glutamate from overstimulating areas of the brain that are related to depression and anxiety.
Benefits
SSRIs are most commonly used to treat depression and anxiety. However, they have also been proven effective at treating some cases of eating disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder and personality disorders. Often, the dose to treat depression and anxiety is lower than the dose required to treat other disorders. Some cases of chronic pain and insomnia may also be relieved by SSRI treatment.
Types
SSRI medications come in either controlled-release form or extended-release form. These types of SSRIs control the release of the medication to last all day or all week with one dose. Several types of SSRI medications are available by prescription, and they are all formulated similarly to obtain the same desired results. Citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline are examples of SSRI medications. If you are working with a mental health professional, you may be tested on more than one SSRI before finding the one that fits your specific needs.
Side Effects
All SSRIs have similar side effects but may affect you differently than they affect other people. Possible side effects include sexual dysfunction or decreased libido, nausea, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, nervousness, insomnia, drowsiness, weight gain and increased sweating. According to the Mayo Clinic, SSRIs are less likely than other antidepressants to interact with other medications and are less dangerous if an overdose is taken.
Warning
Serotonin syndrome is a dangerous adverse effect of taking serotonin-increasing medications. Signs of serotonin syndrome begin a few hours after taking a new medication and include agitation, confusion, dilated pupils, rapid heart rate, headache, shivering, diarrhea, goose bumps, loss of muscle coordination and heavy sweating. If serotonin syndrome progresses, more severe symptoms include high fever, seizures, irregular heartbeat and unconsciousness. Serotonin syndrome typically goes away within a day or two of stopping the medication, but severe cases may be fatal without treatment. If you have recently started an SSRI or increased the dose of your current medication and think you may have serotonin syndrome, call your healthcare provider right away or visit the emergency room.
