Psychology
Antidepressants: what they do, side effects and stopping safely
What antidepressants treat, how long they take, common side effects, whether they are addictive, and why you should never stop them suddenly.
27 Sept 20268 min read
SSRI
Also known as Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor: the most commonly prescribed type of antidepressant, used for depression and many anxiety conditions. Examples are sertraline, fluoxetine, escitalopram, citalopram and paroxetine.
In Psychology
SSRIs increase the available between nerve cells by slowing its reabsorption. They are usually the first medicine offered for , and are also used for , panic disorder, , and social anxiety.
What to expect
- They usually take 1 to 2 weeks to start helping and up to 8 weeks to work fully — do not give up after a few days
- Early such as nausea, headache, restlessness or poor sleep often settle within a few weeks
- Sexual side effects are common; tell your doctor rather than quietly stopping
- Treatment usually continues for at least 6 months after you feel better
Antidepressants covers choosing and taking them.
Where this comes up
Psychology
Eating disorders: anorexia, bulimia, binge eating and ARFID
Eating disorders are serious, treatable mental illnesses that affect boys and men as well as girls, and people of every weight. Here is what to look for and what helps.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Psychology
Health anxiety: when worry about illness takes over
Health anxiety is persistent fear of having a serious illness despite reassurance. Checking, googling and repeated tests keep it going; CBT breaks the cycle.
27 Sept 20267 min read
Psychology
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD): intrusive thoughts, rituals and waswas
OCD is not about being tidy. It is a cycle of unwanted, distressing thoughts and the rituals used to neutralise them — and it responds well to ERP therapy and SSRIs.
27 Sept 20268 min read
Related terms
- Serotonin5-HT, 5-hydroxytryptamineA chemical messenger involved in mood, sleep, appetite, digestion and much more. About 90% of the body's serotonin is in the gut. It is not simply a "happy chemical".
- SNRISerotonin-noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor, Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitorSerotonin–noradrenaline reuptake inhibitor: a type of antidepressant acting on two chemical messengers. Venlafaxine and duloxetine are the main examples, used for depression, anxiety and some long-term pain.
- Antidepressant discontinuation syndromeAntidepressant withdrawal, SSRI withdrawalUnpleasant symptoms — dizziness, "brain zaps", flu-like feelings, anxiety, poor sleep — that can follow stopping or cutting down an antidepressant too quickly. Reducing gradually with a doctor lowers the risk.
- DepressionClinical depression, Major depressive disorderA medical condition in which low mood or loss of interest lasts most of the day, nearly every day, for at least two weeks, and affects sleep, energy and daily life.