Question 1

is it possible to get off ssri medication after decades of being on them?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: If you've been stable with depressive symptoms for a year or so, discuss this with your psychiatrist.  Some people need to be on antidepressants indefinitely because they've had multiple episodes or only partial recovery.  For these, it can be preventative of further illness.  If your doctor feels it's appropriate with your history and current status, s/he can help you create a tapering schedule.

Question 2

what is the best ssri medication?

Accepted Answer

No right answer: The best ssri is the ssri which works for you.  How do we figure that out?  Well: what worked before, or what worked for a close relative.  We try that first.  If that doesn't work, we try another.  If that doesn't work, an snri or a tricyclic may be next.  As far as overall efficacy, the ssri's are generally considered equal.

Question 3

i have tried some of the ssri medications for anxiety and i refuse to try any more of them. what other nonaddictive options are there?

Accepted Answer

Several.: Not all ssri's are made alike, with that said, venlafaxine (effexor) is a medication used for anxiety disorders. There is Buspirone (buspar) which is used to treat anxiety disorders. And, some of the older antidepresants, tca's, are used for anxiety. And, there are some newer options.

Question 4

unmotivated...spend most days grazing on food...occasionally feel restless...lacking motivation and interest in things...non-ssri medication options?

Accepted Answer

Major Depression: I feel empathy for your discomfort.
You deserve relief and increased functioning.
Your symptoms indicate Depression and Anxiety.
Due to severity of symptoms and lack of response to Behavior Therapy, it will be beneficial to have Gestalt and Insight oriented Therapy and Medication.
Discuss with Psychiatrist about Effexor, (venlafaxine) Wellbutrin and Serzone.
Use Breathing and Music Relaxation, Yoga, Meditation.

Question 5

does ssri medication actually helps premature ejaculation?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Paroxetine especially. A side effect of ssri medication is difficulty achieving orgasm. This side effect is particularly helpful in rapid ejaculation.

Question 6

is it safe to use cbd oil while taking ssri medication?

Accepted Answer

Possibly: We do not have evidenced based information for CBD.There have been some anecdotal information of people becoming psychotic,(not clear if these are people likely to have become psychotic and it is just a trigger  as has been noted with marijuana in general) -definitely talk to prescriber and if the SSRI is not sufficient , some change in that may be indicated.  optimize one item before adding 2nd

Question 7

i started an ssri medication a week ago (celexa), and now every time i eat cheese i get severe flushing, is the medication causing this? if so, why?

Accepted Answer

Tyramine rxtn?: Usually, drugs in the ssri and ssnri classes do not cause such outcomes, but you do have a beta blocker drug also (propranalol), and this mix may interact with your special susceptibilities.  Not a simple straightforward problem, but i would err on the side of caution, and switch to a different anti-depressant drug.

Question 8

aside from raising serotonin,how do ssri medications work to reduce anxiety?
currently on sertraline 200mg but still anxious after years on it.

Accepted Answer

Anxiety: Meds may have a place in helping you but you need more direct treatment for your anxiety.  Please see a clinical psychologist who can teach you strategies to manage your anxiety.  See www.relaxationresponse.org for some self-help in claiming your nervous system.

Question 9

does using grapefruit oil,extract,mist,or spray topically on the body or inhaling it interact with ssri medication?

Accepted Answer

No info on external: Graprfruit is not good to intake with many drugs - Luvox (fluvoxamine) is one that can be a problem. There is no study I've found with external use of grapefruit - but why take a risk? It would feel really foolish if something went bad, right? So don't mix them. It can't be that important. Take care!

Question 10

please help
in light of my liver inflammation i had to discontinue ssri medication immediately. at first i could control it, but now with any movement i get brain shocks that take over my whole body. any ideas on how i can get back control w/out meds?

Accepted Answer

Brain shocks: The ‘brain shocks’ are most likely withdrawal effects of sudden termination of an SSRI.  As such they will go away without any intervention except giving it time.  They are weird and disconcerting but not dangerous.  I know of no intervention which works besides restarting an SSRI which does not appear to be safe for you.  Best of luck!

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Ssri medication

A member asked:

Is it possible to get off ssri medication after decades of being on them?

A member asked:

What is the best ssri medication?

A member asked:

I have tried some of the ssri medications for anxiety and i refuse to try any more of them. what other nonaddictive options are there?

A member asked:

Unmotivated...spend most days grazing on food...occasionally feel restless...lacking motivation and interest in things...non-ssri medication options?

A member asked:

Does ssri medication actually helps premature ejaculation?

A member asked:

Is it safe to use cbd oil while taking ssri medication?

A member asked:

I started an ssri medication a week ago (celexa), and now every time i eat cheese i get severe flushing, is the medication causing this? if so, why?

A member asked:

Aside from raising serotonin,how do ssri medications work to reduce anxiety? currently on sertraline 200mg but still anxious after years on it.

A member asked:

Does using grapefruit oil,extract,mist,or spray topically on the body or inhaling it interact with ssri medication?

A member asked:

Please help in light of my liver inflammation i had to discontinue ssri medication immediately. at first i could control it, but now with any movement i get brain shocks that take over my whole body. any ideas on how i can get back control w/out meds?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?