SSRI’s — What You Need to Know

With all the news that’s been centered on drugs like Paxil lately and the problems to which it’s been linked, many viewers, listeners or readers have seen or heard the term “SSRI’s” during these reports. Most will know that Paxil is a member of this group of drugs, but perhaps many don’t really understand what the term means. We’ll explain it below and then detail how SSRI’s were meant to help the general public.

SSRI Defined

The term “SSRI” stands for “Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor.” SSRI’s are a class of drugs that are somewhat similar in their chemical makeup and their purpose. Specifically, SSRI’s are used to help treat several different but serious psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety disorders and other general personality disorders.

Common SSRI Drugs

Below is a list of prevalent “types” of SSRI’s that are available on the market via prescription:

• Citalopram
• Fluoxetine
• Fluvoxamine
• Paroxetine (Paxil)
• Sertraline

How SSRI’s Work

SSRI’s, in plain English, serve to alter the way in which the chemical compounds in the brain travel and communicate. More scientifically, SSRI’s help synapses in the brain function at a more reasonable level than is typically present in a patient with depression or another disorder that SSRI’s are meant to treat.

The SSRI’s are there to help the cell that receives the synapse, or message, from the sending cell, receive and process that message at a higher rate than is often found to be the case in patients who need this medication. As a result, patients enjoy a more “normal” brain function and are less prone to psychological disorders as a result of receiving a higher percentage of “messages” between the cells of the brain.

Side Effects

SSRI’s, and Paxil in particular, have also been linked recently with several serious side effects. These alleged side effects are as follows:

• birth defects
• restlessness
• hallucinations
• loss of coordination
• fast heart beat
• fast changes in blood pressure
• diarrhea
• coma
• nausea
• vomiting

Of course, this is not an exhaustive list, but merely a few examples. If you have been harmed as a result of taking an SSRI or Paxil in particular, you need to contact the Paxil lawyers at Williams Kherkher in order to schedule a free initial consultation.