Can Taking An SSRI For Anxiety Help Manage Disorder Symptoms And Minimize Side Effects?
While engaging in therapy and learning healthy coping methods are often effective treatments for anxiety, sometimes medication like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) can help make the symptoms more manageable, too. SSRIs were introduced in the 1980s primarily to treat symptoms of depression. Their use has steadily risen since then, as research has indicated that they may be effective for a variety of other conditions too. Read on to find out how they can be used for individuals experiencing anxiety, their potential side effects, and other treatment options to consider.
What are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)?
First, let’s begin by defining what SSRIs are. This acronym stands for ‘selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.’ Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that transfers brain messages between the body’s nerves, and it’s also linked to mood. If there is not enough serotonin, only part of the information in a message may be transmitted, and the rest may not be interpreted or could be misinterpreted.
When enough serotonin is available, the body may better understand and process situations because these brain messages are clarified, making it less likely to trigger a false "fight or flight" response. SSRIs may help make more serotonin available because they stop the extra from being reabsorbed—prohibiting serotonin reuptake, in other words. Their effect doesn’t happen right away, however; it may take approximately four to six weeks for reuptake inhibitors like SSRIs to be fully effective.
What is anxiety?
When we perceive danger, we naturally become hyper-aware in order to have a better chance of surviving. While this mechanism used to apply to things like facing a dangerous animal in the earlier days of human history, it can now be triggered by what we perceive as danger in the modern world. For example, we might feel anxious and hyper-aware when it comes to undergoing surgery or skydiving. Since both of these could be potentially life-threatening, this response is considered rational in such cases. However, some people experience the same intensity of symptoms in non-threatening circumstances, such as when socializing or going to the grocery store—which is when an anxiety disorder may be at play.
General anxiety disorder (GAD) is a mental health condition experienced by over six million Americans. It’s just one of several types of anxiety disorders but is thought to be the most common. One of the key symptoms is excessive, persistent worry that can feel uncontrollable. Since this and other symptoms can negatively impact a person’s life, functioning, and overall well-being, it’s generally recommended that people experiencing it seek the advice of a mental health care provider. Tools like online anxiety quizzes may help you understand your symptoms, but they are not a replacement for seeking professional help for symptoms of this or any disorder.
Potential side effects of SSRIs for anxiety
Note that SSRIs are typically not intended to be taken on their own. Instead, the aim is generally to use them to help an individual manage their symptoms enough so that they can engage in other types of treatment too, such as therapy and lifestyle changes. Medication is not right for everyone, but it can be a helpful part of treatment in some scenarios when a doctor or psychiatrist believes it to be appropriate.
That said, some individuals are hesitant to take selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors because they're concerned about side effects. Side effects may be temporary or long term, and they can vary based on the specific medication and from person to person. For many individuals, the benefits outweigh the side effects, but it’s generally a personal choice that should be made alongside the advice of a healthcare professional.
Common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Some common side effects of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may include the following:
- Headache
- Nausea, vomiting, or diarrhea
- Dry mouth
- Drowsiness
- Dizziness
- Insomnia
- Nervousness, agitation, or restlessness
- Weight loss or weight gain
- Reduced sexual desire, erectile dysfunction, or difficulty reaching orgasm
Are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) effective with no side effects?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors were initially designed to treat depression, but studies suggest that they may effectively help treat many types of anxiety as well. However, other research suggests that SSRIs aren't as effective for treating anxiety as they may be for other conditions. For instance, a study conducted on one particular type of SSRI indicates that it may “provide only a modest advantage over placebo in treatment of anxiety and depression."
Patient needs and situations are diverse, which is why using any medication requires an experienced, licensed professional's supervision. For some, medications are highly effective, and for others, they're not very effective at all or cause more side effects than benefits. Furthermore, a person may respond differently to different medications in the broad selection of available SSRIs. You can consult your primary care doctor or therapist about whether selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors may be helpful for you.
What are other treatment options for anxiety?
Learning healthy coping mechanisms is another common recommendation for those experiencing symptoms of anxiety. One example is mindfulness meditation. Recent research suggests that incorporating this regular practice could help reduce symptoms of stress and anxiety—potentially even as effectively as some medications.
Adjusting certain lifestyle factors could also help mitigate symptoms of a mental health condition like anxiety, particularly in conjunction with other treatments. For example, multiple studies indicate that getting regular aerobic exercise could help reduce symptoms. There’s also evidence to suggest that eating a nutritious diet—especially one rich in fruits, vegetables, and omega-3 fatty acids—could decrease the severity of anxiety’s effects.
Seeking therapy for anxiety
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can also be a helpful treatment for anxiety in many cases. A cognitive behavioral therapist can help an individual learn to recognize and shift any distorted thought patterns that may be contributing to symptoms and develop healthy coping techniques for when they do arise.
Some individuals—particularly those who routinely experience anxiety—may feel intimidated or uncertain about the prospect of meeting with a therapist in person to address their anxiety. In cases like these, online therapy can represent a viable alternative. With a platform like BetterHelp, you can meet with a licensed therapist virtually from the comfort of home or anywhere you have an internet connection. Research suggests online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions in treating symptoms of anxiety, depression, and other conditions.
Takeaway
If you experience feelings of anxiety that negatively impact your mental health and/or interfere with your daily life, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are one treatment option that may help. However, they’re not right for everyone, so it’s important that you speak with your doctor or psychiatrist if you’re considering them. Exercise, eating nutritious foods, practicing meditation, and seeking therapy may also be useful.
Can taking an SSRI for anxiety help, and which SSRI is best for anxiety disorder?
SSRIs help boost the functioning of the brain’s nerve cells that regulate emotion. Several selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as Celexa (citalopram), Lexapro, Zoloft, and Prozac, are known to be effective when treating anxiety disorders. It is sometimes used in combination with talk therapy. However, it is not possible to determine which one is best among all antidepressants in all cases. Deciding which medication is most likely effective for a particular patient requires a thorough evaluation from a mental health professional qualified to prescribe medication. The SSRI (or another category of medication) they choose to prescribe and the doses required will depend on the results of their evaluation, the patient's needs, and the overall treatment goals.
Do SSRIs work for anxiety disorder?
Although SSRIs are commonly used to treat severe depression, they are also often used to treat anxiety disorders. However, the exact diagnosis usually guides what is most likely to be effective. For example, SSRIs like fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft) have FDA approval to treat panic disorder (PD) but not generalized anxiety disorder (GAD). Similarly, escitalopram and paroxetine are both approved to treat GAD but not social anxiety disorder (SAD). Mental health care professionals also commonly prescribe a medication “off-label,” meaning the FDA has not approved the drug to treat a specific condition, but the health care professional believes it will be effective in the case of their patient. SSRIs are one of many types of medication that can reduce anxiety symptoms, and a qualified professional will determine which is most likely to be helpful based on the patient’s specific assessment results.
Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines. Some medicines may limit the effectiveness of SSRIs or may cause life-threatening situations when combined with SSRIs.
What are the long-term side effects of an SSRI?
SSRIs are medicines (antidepressants) commonly used to treat depression, particularly in severe or persistent cases. They are also used to treat pain and alleviate anxiety. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, SSRIs work for psychological symptoms of anxiety, such as headaches, muscle tension, and sleep problems.
The long-term effects of SSRIs are still under investigation, but present research suggests that they are a safe and effective option when balanced against the risks of the mental health condition they were prescribed to treat. Common adverse effects of extended SSRI use often include sexual arousal problems/sexual dysfunction, emotional numbness, insomnia (sleep problems), muscle tension, and weight gain. Patients also commonly reported withdrawal effects when stopping the medication. Medical professionals may have their patients try a different SSRI if the side effects are unbearable, but most patients consider them manageable.
Prescribers also have access to modern tools, such as genetic testing, which can reveal an SSRI that a patient is likely to tolerate well. They can also commonly prescribe adjunctive medications to help address the possible side effects of SSRIs. Although adverse effects are commonly reported, once efforts have been made to manage them, most patients are satisfied with their experience. In one study, nearly 90% of patients reported that SSRIs were helpful and improved their symptoms. Whenever you feel side effects, talking to your healthcare provider before adjusting the dosage or discontinuing the medication is important.
Do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) stop overthinking?
SSRIs may not be able to stop overthinking without other interventions, but these antidepressants can likely be helpful as part of a comprehensive treatment plan. For example, most people with anxiety disorders or obsessive-compulsive disorder report that SSRIs “turn down the volume” on their anxious thoughts, making it easier to engage in mindfulness activities or other treatment methods that reduce their symptoms. While some medications could possibly treat overthinking directly, such as benzodiazepines, the adverse effects associated with those medications will likely be substantial compared to SSRIs.
The cons of using Benzodiazepines
Although benzodiazepines may help reduce panic attacks, restlessness, and other symptoms of GAD, they should be prescribed with caution. Benzodiazepines may increase suicidal thoughts and the risk of a medical condition called physical dependence. According to the Anxiety & Depression Association of America, benzodiazepines are inadvisable for individuals with severe addictive and suicidal tendencies. Further, the American Addiction Centers mention that mixing benzos with alcohol may lead to severe cases of respiratory ailments.
What is the safest anxiety medication?
The safest anxiety medication is typically the one with the lowest risk to well-being, not just which comes with the lowest risk of death or injury. For example, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are likely much safer than benzodiazepines, which can be fatal if a person takes too high a dose. It is much harder to overdose on an SSRI, reducing the mortality risk. However, SSRIs can still cause adverse effects that can reduce a person’s quality of life or overall well-being, such as sexual dysfunction. Ultimately, the safest anxiety medication is the one prescribed by a medical professional after they have conducted a thorough evaluation.
Should I take an SSRI for mild anxiety?
SSRIs are commonly used to increase serotonin, an essential neurotransmitter for mood regulation and the functioning of nerve cells. Deciding whether to take an SSRI should be done in consultation with a medical professional who is familiar with the complexities of mental well-being and psychopharmacology. If a thorough evaluation demonstrates that an SSRI treatment could help improve your symptoms, your doctor or medical provider will discuss medication options. They may want to start an SSRI or other medication right away, or they may want you to try psychotherapeutic options first. Regardless of treatment progression, it is likely that they will want you to work with a therapist or counselor in addition to taking medication.
How long should I stay on SSRIs for anxiety?
The medical professional who prescribed your SSRI will help you determine how long you should take it. They will get your input regarding its positive and adverse effects, progress with other treatments, and your overall well-being. Suppose you are experiencing adverse effects (GI issues, sleep disturbances, or weight fluctuations) from the medication for the first few weeks; they will likely be able to help you manage them or find a medication with mild side effects that you can tolerate better. It is extremely important that you do not change the dosage or stop taking your medication without first speaking to your doctor or medical provider. Abrupt cessation or “cold turkey” may substantially worsen symptoms or have other adverse effects, which may include panic attacks, hallucinations, or fever.
Can taking an SSRI for anxiety help calm the brain?
Taking SSRIs may help calm the brain. According to the Nationwide Children’s Hospital website, serotonin (one of the neurotransmitters) may make a person focused, happy, and calm. Low serotonin levels may be associated with anxiety. SSRIs work by blocking reuptake and increasing serotonin levels in the brain.
While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) don’t calm the brain in the same way as sedative medication, many people report that their thoughts are calmer and easier to manage when taking an SSRI. For example, patients with obsessive-compulsive disorder reported greater control over obsessive thoughts. This sense of mental clarity can be especially helpful for those struggling with anxiety.
What is the safest SSRI?
SSRIs have certain risks and adverse effects (usually mild side effects), but the safest for each patient will be determined by the medical professional treating them. SSRIs have fewer side effects compared to TCAs and MAOIs. SSRIs are generally considered safe, often being used to treat depression and anxiety before trying riskier options. However, it is not possible to determine the safest medication based on generally available information. Before starting medication, your medical provider will conduct an evaluation that considers your unique medical profile and treatment needs. That evaluation will allow them to determine which SSRI is the safest, most effective option for you. They will also decide the duration and doses of treatment. During the first few weeks or months, it may help to communicate with your doctor to monitor how well the medication is working.
Who should not take SSRIs?
Although SSRIs are known to help increase serotonin, an important neurotransmitter for the function of the brain and nerve cells, the National Institutes of Health indicates that SSRIs should not be taken if the patient is already taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAOI, a different type of antidepressant), linezolid, or other medications that increase serotonin levels. Combining serotonin-boosting medications increases the risk of serotonin syndrome, a rare but life-threatening condition. Other medicines may also have contraindications with SSRIs. Let your doctor know if you are taking any other medicines or supplements. Some medicines or herbal remedies, such as St. John’s Wort, may be life-threatening when combined with certain antidepressants. In addition, some SSRIs should not be taken by those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.
A person’s medical provider will make the final call regarding whether or not SSRIs are an appropriate treatment choice.
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