Tag

Ssri

All articles tagged with #ssri

Long-term antidepressants: how to decide if you should stay, taper, or stop
health1 month ago

Long-term antidepressants: how to decide if you should stay, taper, or stop

Vox’s Future Perfect explainer argues that long-term SSRI use raises questions about ongoing need, with withdrawal and dependence being real but distinct from addiction. It emphasizes careful, individualized tapering when stopping, notes that best tapering protocols are not yet established, and urges empathetic clinician guidance and more deprescribing research to help people decide whether to stay on meds or discontinue.

Rising Anxiety Meds Meet Backlash from MAHA
health1 month ago

Rising Anxiety Meds Meet Backlash from MAHA

U.S. anxiety medication use has climbed to about 38 million adults by 2024, with SSRIs like Lexapro, Prozac, and Zoloft considered frontline treatments. The increase coincides with MAHA’s push to critique medications and promote diet, exercise, and therapy, fueling a broader debate about safety and access. Medical professionals emphasize the benefits and manageable side effects for many patients, noting telehealth and social pressures help drive uptake—especially among young adults, women, and LGBTQ+ individuals—while cautioning against long-term benzodiazepine use and acknowledging concerns about non-prescribed access.

FDA Panel's Doubts on Antidepressants in Pregnancy Raise Concerns
health8 months ago

FDA Panel's Doubts on Antidepressants in Pregnancy Raise Concerns

An FDA panel questioned the safety of SSRIs during pregnancy, citing studies that many experts say are misrepresented or flawed, leading to criticism from medical societies. Most evidence indicates SSRIs are safe for pregnant women, and untreated depression poses significant health risks. Experts emphasize the importance of accurate information and a range of treatment options, including therapy and medication, to support maternal mental health.

The Unexpected Side Effects of Antidepressants
health1 year ago

The Unexpected Side Effects of Antidepressants

Jane, a once shy and introverted woman, experienced a drastic personality change after being prescribed the SSRI antidepressant Aropax, leading to heavy alcohol consumption and risky behavior. Her story highlights the potential for antidepressants to interact with alcohol, causing disinhibition and dependency. Experts warn that mixing SSRIs with alcohol can exacerbate mental health issues and lead to unpredictable reactions. Jane eventually overcame her dependency, but continues to face health challenges linked to her past alcohol abuse.

"Antidepressants Induced Asexuality and Genital Shrinkage in Weeks"
health1 year ago

"Antidepressants Induced Asexuality and Genital Shrinkage in Weeks"

Patients across the US, Canada, and Europe are reporting long-term sexual dysfunction and other severe side effects after discontinuing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Prozac. Despite FDA warnings about potential sexual side effects, many claim these issues persist for years, leading to a lawsuit against the FDA for inadequate warnings. The condition, known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD), has been acknowledged by health authorities in Canada and Europe, but remains a significant concern for affected individuals.

Managing Sexual Dysfunction Caused by SSRI Antidepressants
health2 years ago

Managing Sexual Dysfunction Caused by SSRI Antidepressants

Some patients are reporting severe and lasting sexual problems even after discontinuing selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. These sexual side effects, including loss of libido and numb genitals, have been devastating for patients, leaving them unable to enjoy sex or maintain romantic relationships. While the safety label on Prozac acknowledges that sexual problems may persist after discontinuation, researchers are only beginning to quantify the prevalence of this condition known as post-SSRI sexual dysfunction. Some psychiatrists argue that these issues may be a result of recurring depression, while others believe it is a distinct condition. Clinical trials have not followed patients after they stop taking SSRIs to determine the cause of these sexual problems.

Combining Psilocybin and SSRIs for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Promising Study Findings
health2 years ago

Combining Psilocybin and SSRIs for Treatment-Resistant Depression: Promising Study Findings

A phase II clinical trial has found that a single dose of psilocybin, when used alongside ongoing SSRI treatment and supportive therapy, showed promising results in individuals with treatment-resistant depression. The study suggests that SSRIs do not interfere with the therapeutic potential of psilocybin, giving patients the option to remain on their antidepressant medication without limiting the benefits of psilocybin treatment. The safety profile was generally favorable, with mild and short-lived adverse events. While the study lacked a control group and was conducted in an open-label format, the results support further investigation of psilocybin as a treatment option for treatment-resistant depression.

The Dangers of SSRI Pills: One Man's Cautionary Tale of Chemical Castration
health2 years ago

The Dangers of SSRI Pills: One Man's Cautionary Tale of Chemical Castration

A man in London, known as Hamish, is speaking out about his experience with post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) after taking an anti-anxiety medication. He describes feeling "chemically castrated" and experiencing a loss of libido, suicidal thoughts, and brain fog. Hamish hopes to raise awareness about the lack of informed consent regarding the potential long-term sexual side effects of antidepressants. While sexual dysfunction is a common side effect of these medications, for some individuals, it persists even after discontinuation. The medical literature recognizes these symptoms, but there is limited research establishing a definitive link to the drugs.