Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also known as SSRIs, have the ability to treat people with depression and anxiety. Sometimes the medications help people with either condition. Both disorders, however, can be present at the same time because depression and anxiety can cause or result from each symptom. How the antidepressants work is not fully understood, but researchers believe the medication helps increase neurotransmitters that affect mood and behavior, MayoClinic.com explains.
Function
SSRIs may block the absorption of serotonin by nerve cells in the brain. The cells normally absorb the brain chemical, involved with emotional states, after it performs a function. SSRIs interfere with the process, leaving more serotonin available for patients to improve moods. Antidepressants may also play a protective role by helping brain receptors to balance certain compounds in the brain related to depression and anxiety.
Considerations
Doctors usually prescribe SSRIs, among the newest antidepressants, as a first line of treatment. Medication depends on each patient's condition, and some patients may have more success with other medications. It can take time for doctors and patients to find the right medication because antidepressants may not reach full effectiveness for several weeks, according to the National Institute of Mental Health.
Depression
SSRIs that work effectively for many patients with depression include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram. Closely related drugs called serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, or SNRIs, work similarly by increasing levels of serotonin and norepinephrine, an adrenal hormone. They include duloxetine and venlafaxine.
Anxiety
Because SSRIs help reduce anxiety, doctors also prescribe them for patients with anxiety disorders. Fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram and escitalopram may benefit patients with panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder and social phobia. Treatment for obsessive-compulsive disorder, which causes obsessive thoughts and compulsive behavior, usually requires higher doses of SSRIs, according to the Anxiety Disorders Association of America. The SNRI venlafaxine helps many patients with generalized anxiety disorder, a condition that causes people to worry excessively about everyday problems.
Fewer Side Effects
Doctors often prescribe SSRIs for their effectiveness and because the drugs generally cause fewer side effects than other antidepressants, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Side effects, including headache, nausea, sleep disorder and nervousness, may last during the first few weeks of treatment or can be reduced with readjusted medication. Sexual problems may occur and can be relieved by adding a second antidepressant that does not cause sexual side effects in many cases.
