Feeling anxious is something most of us experience from time to time. But when anxiety becomes overwhelming or persistent, it can start to affect your daily life. Think work, study, relationships, and even sleep. That’s where support, including medical treatment like SSRI antidepressants, may come in.
If you’ve recently been prescribed one or are simply doing your research, you’re in the right place. Life Pharmacy provides SSRI antidepressants consultations to help you come to grips with a new prescription, because we believe it’s important to understand how these medications work.
Just as importantly, we believe it’s vital that you feel comfortable asking questions. If you or someone in your life has recently been prescribed SSRIs or is considering this as a modality of treatment for anxiety, we can help to demystify a few things. So let’s break it all down.
First, what are SSRI antidepressants?
SSRI stands for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. That’s a mouthful, but here’s the gist: they’re a type of antidepressant medication commonly used to treat anxiety (as well as a variety of other mental health conditions, including depression).
This kind of medication works by increasing the amount of a chemical called serotonin in the brain. This neurotransmitter is a natural mood stabiliser that helps regulate bodily functions such as mood, appetite, and sleep. People with anxiety often have lower levels of this chemical in the brain, and that’s why SSRIs can be helpful in combination with a wider treatment plan.
How do SSRIs help with anxiety?
When you take SSRIs for anxiety, it slowly changes how your brain handles serotonin. Normally, your brain reabsorbs this chemical too quickly. SSRIs "block" this reabsorption, meaning more serotonin is available in your brain to do its job.
The idea is that this helps you to feel calmer, more balanced, and in control. Keep in mind that this is not an instant fix, but over time, this extra serotonin can reduce the symptoms of anxiety, like:
- Racing thoughts
- Restlessness
- Constant worrying
- Panic attacks
- Trouble sleeping
How long do SSRIs take to work?
For many people, SSRI antidepressants make it a lot easier to manage life’s ups and downs after a few weeks, but this can vary. Every person is unique, which means their response to SSRIs is also unique. For most people, they start to take noticeable effect within 2-4 weeks, but for anxiety, it can take up to 8 weeks to start to feel the full benefits. That’s why it’s essential to continue discussing your treatment with your GP or pharmacist to tailor and adjust it as needed.
It’s also important to never stop taking your medication cold turkey, as this can be harmful. It’s very normal not to feel different right away when you start taking SSRIs, so stick with it (unless you have side effects – more on that soon) and check in with your medical professional if you are unsure.
Some people stay on these medications long-term, while many others use them as a 6-12 month treatment to help stabilise their anxiety before tapering off with GP guidance. Ultimately, this is about providing you and your brain the support you need to heal alongside other vital tools.
Are there side effects?
SSRI antidepressants are commonly prescribed because they typically cause fewer side effects than other types of medication. They are relatively safe, and taken by millions of people around the world as a way to manage their anxiety or depression symptoms.
That said, like all medicines, SSRI antidepressants can cause side effects (especially in the first few weeks as your body adjusts). Some common ones include:
- Nausea or an upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping or feeling drowsy
- HeadachesFeeling a bit jittery or restless at first
- Changes in appetite or libido
Most of these changes are mild and temporary, usually settling within a couple of weeks. That said, if anything feels unusual or too uncomfortable, don’t hesitate to chat with your pharmacist. We’re here to help with this.
Stigma and SSRIs
Let’s be absolutely clear: there is no shame in taking care of your mental health. If this is an avenue you are considering, you are one person among millions doing their best to take care of themselves in the midst of a medical condition.
Just like you’d take antibiotics for an infection or use an inhaler for asthma, SSRI antidepressants are a medical treatment for a legitimate health condition.
1 in 4 Kiwis will experience anxiety or depression at some point in their lives. If SSRIs can help you find calm, focus, and hope again, then you’re doing the right thing for yourself.
The most effective SSRI treatments often work in conjunction with other lifestyle changes. Changes to your diet, more exercise, getting together with your support network, and talking about what’s going on; all of these lifestyle shifts can help the SSRIs to do their job and get you feeling better long-term.
Starting antidepressants can feel like a big step, and we get it. There’s a lot to think about. But you’re not alone. Thousands of Kiwis take these medications every day as part of their journey toward feeling better.
Remember:
- It takes time, as most people find the meds take a few weeks to kick in.
- Keep talking to your GP, your pharmacist, and your support network.
- You deserve to feel better, and you’re taking steps in the right direction.
If you have any questions, worries, or just need a friendly ear as you start this new treatment, we’re here for you.
Book an SSRI antidepressant consultation with Life Pharmacy.
We want to help you feel informed and supported throughout your treatment journey. If you or someone you love has recently been prescribed SSRI antidepressants for anxiety or depression, book a consultation with your closest Life Pharmacy to review everything you need to know with your pharmacist. Or, if you prefer, you can simply drop in for your confidential chat.
We’ll answer any questions you have and help you determine how to incorporate this medicine into your routine.
