SSRIs For Anxiety | Using SSRIs To Treat Anxiety Disorders

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are prescribed to treat various forms of depression. This is why you may see many SSRIs labeled as antidepressants. However, SSRIs can treat anxiety disorders as well, including:

• post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
• panic disorder 
• generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• phobic disorder (social phobia)
• social anxiety disorder 
• agoraphobia
• obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)

In addition to these anxiety disorders, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has authorized the use of SSRIs for the following conditions:

• premenstrual dysphoric disorder
• bipolar depression
• bulimia nervosa
• major depressive disorder
• treatment-resistant disorder

Due to the fact that SSRIs are selective with certain chemicals in the brain, they do not always help those suffering from anxiety disorders. However, SSRIs may treat anxiety symptoms and are likely to be the first line of defense against anxiety disorders.

How SSRIs Work For Anxiety

Antidepressant medications such as SSRIs work by targeting chemicals in the brain associated with emotion. Because the word “selective” is part of SSRI, it’s important to note that it means just that—selective. 

The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) states that SSRIs act on the brain’s chemical serotonin. Serotonin is a type of neurotransmitter that sends signals between the brain and nerve cells (neurons). 

SSRIs are selective because they affect serotonin only, not other neurotransmitters. 

Another medication that increases serotonin in the brain is buspirone (Buspar). Usually prescribed with other medication, Buspar not only increases serotonin but decreases dopamine as well.

Frequently Used SSRIs

There are a variety of SSRI antidepressants that you may be familiar with, including:

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluvoxamine (Luvox)

Side Effects Of SSRI Medications

Those who take SSRIs for anxiety should be aware of the potential side effects of SSRIs, which may include:

• nausea
• insomnia
• headache
• dizziness
• erectile dysfunction or difficulties with ejaculation
• nervousness
• dry mouth
• diarrhea
• drowsiness
• weight gain or loss
• vomiting

Discontinuing Your SSRI Medication

Sudden discontinuation of SSRI medication can lead to the following withdrawal symptoms:

• suicidal thoughts
• agitation
• flu-like symptoms
• lethargy
• headache
• loss in appetite
• vertigo
• anxiety

Because of the above-mentioned symptoms, it’s important to never stop taking your medicine “cold turkey.” In fact, before changing any routine with your medication, you’ll likely want to consult your doctor. 

When SSRI Medications Don’t Work For Anxiety

SSRIs are the go-to for anxiety disorders, but sometimes they produce too many side effects for people. For example, if a person is suffering from major depression or bipolar disorder, symptoms such as depression can worsen.

If an SSRI isn’t the right option for you, other medications are available.

Serotonin & Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs)

SNRIs are sometimes confused with SSRIs. Common SNRIs include venlafaxine (Effexor), duloxetine (Cymbalta), and desvenlafaxine (Pristiq). NAMI states that SNRIs are the second most common antidepressant prescribed. 

SNRIs are different from SSRIs because they increase both serotonin and norepinephrine.

Benzodiazepines

Benzodiazepines can be prescribed instead, which are only for short-term use and should be monitored carefully when taken due to the potential sedative effects. Benzos you may be familiar with include lorazepam (Ativan), diazepam (Valium), and alprazolam (Xanax).

Because benzodiazepines can become habit-forming, SSRIs and SNRIs are likely prescribed instead.

Other Medications 

Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are prescribed less than other medications because MAOIs have numerous side effects. People who take MAOIs have serious dietary restrictions that must be followed. 

Tricyclic antidepressants are a class of antidepressants that can be used as well. In addition to this, beta-blockers may also be used to treat anxiety.  

Treatment For Your Mental Health

Sometimes it takes weeks of treatment from various medications in order to find the right dose. Your doctor may start you on low doses of an SSRI to determine if the possible side effects are too significant. 

Those suffering from an anxiety disorder may be introduced to cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) by their doctor. This form of therapy, in addition to medication, can prove to be beneficial for your mental health.

If you or a loved one are experiencing symptoms of anxiety or depression, contact your healthcare provider to learn about possible treatment options.