Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) — such as fluoxetine (Prozac) — can help people with anxiety disorders, depression, and other mental health conditions.
Medically reviewed by Alexandra Perez, PharmD, MBA, BCGP
SSRIs act by altering the level of brain chemicals called neurotransmitters. This produces a relaxing effect in most people with anxiety disorders.
There are different types of SSRIs. Each acts in a specific way, so one may be more suitable than another for a particular condition.
How do SSRIs work for anxiety and other mental health conditions?
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SSRIs inhibit or prevent the reabsorption of neurotransmitters by binding to and blocking their receptors.
This gradually increases the concentration of neurotransmitters in the nerve spaces in the brain. As a result, the neurotransmitter’s activity on the nerves in the brain lasts longer.
SSRIs act primarily on serotonin, the neurotransmitter that controls your moods and feelings.
As a result, they can help boost a person’s mood and help them feel more relaxed. This makes them suitable for treating depression.
What are some specific drugs that can help?
Doctors prescribe various SSRIs for anxiety.
Here are some common types:
Fluoxetine: A doctor may prescribe fluoxetine (Prozac) for panic attacks.
Paroxetine:Paroxetine (Paxil) acts differently from other SSRIs, as it also blocks receptors for histamine and acetylcholine, a neurotransmitter in the nervous system. Doctors may prescribe paroxetine for panic disorder, social anxiety, or generalized anxiety disorder.
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The side effects of SSRIs vary for each medication.
For instance, citalopram could disrupt the typical heart rhythm, unlike other SSRIs. Also, paroxetine could cause gastrointestinal symptoms such as constipation, diarrhea, and skin changes like eczema.
Here are some of the possible adverse effects of SSRIs:
nausea and vomiting
weight gain
diarrhea
sleepiness
altered sexual libido, which manifests as a lack of interest or ability to have sex
Depression and other mental health conditions can sometimes cause a person to feel overwhelmed. At these times, the individual may need additional support. Seeking help early on can help stop symptoms of depression and other conditions from worsening.
Apart from medication, a doctor may recommend supportive talk therapy, such as psychotherapy or counseling, to help manage and overcome the challenges of anxiety and other conditions.
Many people benefit from a combination of talking therapy and medication.
You should seek help from a qualified medical professional if you notice any of the following symptoms or if they persist for longer than a few days:
difficulty sleeping
loss of appetite
intense apathy
difficulty concentrating
loss of interest in things you previously found enjoyable
SSRIs are medications that can help manage the symptoms of anxiety disorders.
They work by increasing the level of specific brain chemicals called neurotransmitters in the neuronal spaces of the brain. SSRIs inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin by binding and blocking its receptors. This produces relaxing and mood-enhancing effects in most people.
Doctors typically use SSRIs for treating anxiety disorders and clinical depression. Examples of common SSRIs are fluoxetine, paroxetine, and sertraline.
SSRIs can cause withdrawal symptoms if you stop taking them suddenly, so it is crucial to speak with your doctor before discontinuing your medications.
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