Have you been struggling with some mental health problems, and have you decided to see a psychiatrist? Perhaps you have already completed the visit, and the doctor has decided that you need to be put on medications. Or, perhaps you are still in the planning stages, and you are trying to get informed about some of those medications on your own before even entering the office. In any case, SSRIs are bound to pop up somewhere, and there is no doubt that you’ll become quite curious about them, and interested in understanding what to expect if and when you start taking them.
Here’s what these medications are: https://www.verywellhealth.com/selective-serotonin-reuptake-inhibitors-ssris-5223678
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, SSRIs in short, are among the most prescribed antidepressants nowadays. When you get a better understanding about, you will realize that they are used to treat not only depression, but also anxiety, PTSD, OCD, and some other issues as well. And, they are so commonly prescribed simply because they are known to be effective.
Apart from that, they are known to be much safer than some of those older classes of antidepressants that have previously been prescribed. That is another reason why they are often the first line of medication that doctors prescribe when they have a patient suffering from anxiety and depression disorders, as well as some others, as I have already mentioned. So, they are safe and effective, and it is, therefore, no wonder that they are that commonly used and well-known nowadays.
Okay, knowing that they are safe and effective is important. But, that is certainly not everything you want and need to know when it comes to these medications. You want to know what to expect when you start taking them, which means that you definitely need some more information. What we are going to do right now, thus, is provide you with some more information, in an effort to help you figure out what to expect, and thus get better prepared for when you start taking your SSRI.
Not Everyone Will React the Same
You probably know that there are different types of SSRIs out there, from Prozac and Lexapro to Zoloft and others. Then, you may have also heard different people report different experiences with one and the same drug. And, you may be wondering who is telling the truth. In short, they all are.
To put it simply, not everyone will respond the same to the same SSRI, which means that a period of adjustment may be necessary. Your doctor will observe your response to the medication they have prescribed, in order to determine if some changes may be necessary. The different response of SSRIs for Mental Health Conditions depends not only on the condition you are trying to treat, but also on you as an individual. That is why genetic testing is nowadays often done, in an effort to predict your response before you even start taking the medications.
It Takes Time to Notice Improvements
Furthermore, you should be aware of the fact that it takes time to notice improvements. That is, it takes time for these medications to really work. So, you cannot expect them to act as miracle drugs that are going to resolve your issue right away. Usually, you will notice first improvements after 3 to 6 weeks, and those will be some minor ones, after which you will start noticing some bigger ones.
Early Side-Effects Are Common, But Temporary
If you are like most people, then you are probably worried about the side-effects of these medications. While I have mentioned above that these are safer than some older classes of antidepressants, that doesn’t automatically mean that there are no side-effects at all to consider. So, let me tell you what to expect here.
In short, early side-effects are actually quite common. They include things like mild nausea, headaches, an upset stomach, appetite shifts, sleep changes and similar. But, while these are quite common, the good thing is that they are also rather mild, as well as temporary. If you’re also heard about SNRIs, you may want to learn more about the difference between these two types of medications.
They Work Best Alongside Psychotherapy
An important thing to know here is that medications shouldn’t be a substitute for psychotherapy. Or for anything else you want to do in order to actually improve your mental wellbeing in the long run. In few words, these drugs work best alongside therapy, allowing you to lift yourself up enough to be able to work on yourself and feel the positive effects of talk therapy.
It Would Be Best to Avoid Ultra-Processed Foods
Your diet is also important when taking SSRIs. And, it would be best for you to avoid ultra-processed foods. This is because ultra-processed foods can actually offset some of the effects of these medications, making it more difficult for you to feel the actual improvements.
Medical Disclaimer: The information in this article is for educational and informational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescription medications that must be taken under the supervision of a licensed healthcare professional. Never start, stop, or change the dosage of any medication without consulting your doctor. If you are experiencing a mental health emergency or suicidal thoughts, please contact your local emergency services or a crisis hotline immediately.
