Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI) - Definition & Explanation for Mothers

Table of Contents

Definition

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorders and anxiety conditions. They work by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter that helps send signals in the brain, in the synapses by inhibiting its reabsorption by the neurons. This action helps in stabilizing mood and reducing feelings of anxiety and depression.

Key Takeaways

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are primarily used as antidepressants but are often prescribed to mothers experiencing postpartum depression or anxiety during or after pregnancy.
SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin, a neurotransmitter in the brain, which helps enhance mood. It’s crucial for mothers to communicate with their healthcare provider to understand the potential benefits and risks associated with SSRIs.
While SSRIs are generally considered safe during pregnancy and breastfeeding, there can be potential risks and side effects. Mothers should monitor any changes in their mood, behavior, or physical health after starting an SSRI and immediately report any concerns to their healthcare provider.

Importance

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a significant term in the context of motherhood due to their role in maternal mental health. SSRIs are commonly prescribed to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and some personality disorders, conditions that may affect women during pregnancy or postpartum.

Mental health during pregnancy and after childbirth is crucial, as untreated depression or anxiety can have negative impacts on both the mother and infant’s health. Therefore, the use of SSRIs may be necessary to manage these conditions.

But it’s also important to note that SSRIs do carry some risks during pregnancy, requiring a careful evaluation to balance the potential benefits and risks. As such, SSRIs play a pivotal role in the discussion of mental health treatment options for expecting and new mothers.

Explanation

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, more commonly referred to as SSRIs, are a type of medication that is often used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and some other conditions such as obsessive-compulsive disorder. These medications work by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain, which can improve your mood and feelings of wellbeing. Serotonin is one of many naturally occurring chemicals in the body, instrumental in transmitting signals between nerve cells and helping regulate mood.

By inhibiting the reuptake, or absorption, of serotonin into neurons, SSRIs allow for more serotonin to be readily available in your brain. SSRIs, while typically assigned for mental health conditions, can play a significant role in the realm of motherhood. Some pregnant women or new mothers may experience mental health struggles such as prenatal or postpartum depression and anxiety.

In these situations, an SSRI can be used under the guidance of a healthcare provider to help mitigate these symptoms. Nonetheless, it’s crucial to note the importance of discussing any potential risks or benefits with one’s healthcare provider, as there can be risks associated with taking SSRIs during pregnancy. Each person’s situation is unique, so individualized conversations and decisions are essential.

Examples of Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRI)

Postpartum Depression: A new mother may experience a type of depression called postpartum depression after the birth of her baby. This is more than just the ‘baby blues’ and can present with serious symptoms like extreme sadness, anxiety, and fatigue. In these cases, the mother might be prescribed Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) to help cope with the symptoms. For example, a mother in a suburban neighborhood may be prescribed an SSRI like Zoloft to manage her postpartum depression.

Antenatal Anxiety: Sometimes, expectant mothers can experience high levels of anxiety and depression. This is not uncommon and if untreated, could have adverse effects on both the mother and the baby. For real-world example, consider a working women in a high-stress corporate job feeling overwhelmed by her pregnancy and existing pressure. Her healthcare provider might advise her to take an SSRI like Prozac to manage her anxiety.

Breastfeeding and SSRIs: Mothers who are breastfeeding and on SSRIs have to be cautious because small amounts of the medication can pass into the breast milk. While most SSRIs are generally considered safe, some mothers might still worry. For instance, a mother in a small town who is on SSRIs for managing her depression, may consult with her pediatrician on the possible impacts on her nursing baby, and they together decide whether the benefits of the medication outweigh any potential risks.

FAQs About Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Question 1: What is Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)?

Answer: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) are a type of antidepressants that work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain cells. SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin in the brain, making more serotonin available.

Question 2: Can SSRIs be used during pregnancy?

Answer: SSRIs are generally considered an option during pregnancy, including citalopram (Celexa), fluoxetine (Prozac) and sertraline (Zoloft). Potential complications include an increased risk of heavy bleeding after giving birth (postpartum hemorrhage), premature birth and low birth weight.

Question 3: Can SSRIs be taken while breastfeeding?

Answer: Most SSRIs are considered safe to use during breastfeeding with little risk of side effects for your baby. However, paroxetine is usually the most preferred since it has the least amount of transfer into breast milk.

Question 4: What are the side effects of SSRIs?

Answer: Side effects of SSRIs can include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, weight gain, sleep disturbances, sexual dysfunction and increased thoughts of suicide in some people. Most side effects are generally mild and will gradually fade away after a few weeks of use.

Question 5: Does stopping SSRIs have any withdrawal symptoms?

Answer: Yes, stopping treatment with SSRIs can cause symptoms such as anxiety, mood swings, dizziness and flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can be minimized by slowly reducing the dose of the medication rather than abruptly stopping it.