Question 1

ssri add ons?

Accepted Answer

Exercise: Tis simple intervention is proven to increase the effectiveness of ssri's.  Cognitive behavioral therapy also increases the chances of success from ssri treatment.  Pharmacological add ons would depend on your diagnosis and preferences.

Question 2

what are ssris?

Accepted Answer

Antidepressants: Ssri  is selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.  There are 6 approved for use in the us.  All are thought to work at the level of the synapse--the connection between one nerve cell & another.  When serotonin is released, it's taken back up through the reuptake system; so, blocking that system effectively increases exposure to the receptor.  How that helps with depression & anxiety remain unclear.

Question 3

are ssri's safe?

Accepted Answer

Generally yes: SSRI's can be very effective in treating depression and anxiety.   They do come with a black box warning for potential increased suicidality in teens.  The key is to start at a low dose and increase slowly to reach effective dose. Close follow-up weekly the first 4 weeks is critical.

Question 4

ed and ssri - help me?

Accepted Answer

Depends on "ED": If you are using ed to mean "erectile dysfunction": the ssri's can cause ed as a side-effect in between 5-50% of men - depending on the agent involved; the ed usually resolves when the ssri is stopped; also, there are meds which can be taken to reduce the ed. If you are referring to "eating disorder": ssri's are often used in the treatment of anorexia and bulimia.

Question 5

can ssris increase  weight ?

Accepted Answer

Yes they can: Most ssri's can cause weight gain, but Lexapro (escitalopram) and zoloft may be the most weight neutral.  If you attend to exercise and eating patterns, weight gain may not happen at all.  Food cravings in depression can also lead to weight gain -- so the ssri's may not be the only culprit.  Some depressed people eat too much, rather than having reduced appetite.

Question 6

for how long ssris can be used?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs: can be helpful and please do what your doctor says.  Having said that, medications are generally best used when they treat a condition and then they are stopped.  Consider seeing a therapist who can work w/you using cognitive therapy.  Look to diet and exercise choices to help.  Deal w/current problems then try to live peacefully w/the results.  Peace and good health.

Question 7

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 8

what is the success rate of ssris??

Accepted Answer

High: While SSRI's are an effective way to treat depression, everyone's chemistry is different and therefore the medication must be matched to the patient.  SSRI's will not work on every depressed patient.

Question 9

do all ssris work in the same manner?

Accepted Answer

SSRIs: They block reuptake of serotonin, but differ in their duration of action & their side-effect profiles.

Question 10

can an ssri leave the body completely?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Eventually, every medication leaves your body once you stop it.

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SSRI

A member asked:

Ssri add ons?

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What are ssris?

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Are ssri's safe?

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Ed and ssri - help me?

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Can ssris increase weight ?

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For how long ssris can be used?

A member asked:

What is the best ssri medication?

A member asked:

What is the success rate of ssris??

A member asked:

Do all ssris work in the same manner?

A member asked:

Can an ssri leave the body completely?

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