SSRI Medications

Why should I know about SSRI 's (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors)?

You might be prescribed an SSRI by your doctor if you are suffering from a depression or anxiety disorder.

Using SSRI 's could have serious implications for you because they have side effects and can interact with other medications - particularly MAOIs - This interaction can lead to increased serotonin levels which could cause serotonin syndrome.

How do they work?

It is generally understood that an SSRI acts to "balance" our brain chemical Serotonin by inhibiting the re-uptake of this neurotransmitter by the nerve cells in the brain.

Are they safe for me to use?

When we consider the fact that these drugs are meant to correct a "biochemical imbalance" (a theory extensively marketed by pharmaceutical companies), by interfering ("reuptake inhibitors") with the metabolism of our brain chemicals - we should immediately be extremely cautious.

If we take into consideration that >90% of Serotonin is metabolised elsewhere in the body (ie outside the brain), then only an extremely naive person would be able to conclude that they could be "safe" to use.

Serotonin has a regulatory effect on the endocrine system, and on the smooth muscle tissues of the digestive system, plus it plays an important role in the cardiovascular system..... so "inhibiting" its uptake is bound to cause complications elsewhere in the body.
 
Have a good look here to learn more about side effects, and discuss them with your doctor.

Here's a list of SSRI 's and their brand names:

citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram)
escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro, Cipralex, Esertia)
fluoxetine (Prozac, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem, Fluctin (EUR))
fluvoxamine maleate (Luvox, Faverin)
paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Aropax, Deroxat, Paroxat)
sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain)
dapoxetine (no known trade name)

Once you have read about the side effects and withdrawal symptoms, review brain-chemistry and look into hair analysis.