What are Anti-Depressants (SSRIs)?
The word Prozac, unheard of 20 years ago, can now be found in the Oxford Dictionary. Other anti-depressant brand names such as Paxil, Effexor and Seroxac are becoming increasingly well known. They are SSRIs, or Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake Inhibitors, and have been widely promoted as Happiness Drugs, the answer to human misery. Serotonin is a naturally occurring chemical in the brain known to affect mood, memory, appetite, sleep, and sexual drive. If serotonin levels drop, we may start to feeling depressed. SSRIs provide a serotonin boost. In theory this will make you feel better. But does it? Side Effects of Anti-Depressants (SSRIs) There is growing concern about the possible side effects of anti-depressants (SSRIs). Patients have complained of feeling physically and emotionally numb, of a marked decrease of sexual desire and inability to reach orgasm, of increased weight gain and even a return of depressed, sometimes suicidal, feelings. Reports from Americas Food and Drug Administra
