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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
History: In 1987, The first SSRI, fluoxetine (commonly called Prozac) was introduced in the United States. It caught a lot of attention in the media because it was being used as means to alter personality, not to treat depression. It was noted that the drug could cause violent aggressive acts. However, after alterations of the drugs, sales of these antidepressants increased. In 2006, seven different types of these antidepressants were among the top 100 drugs prescribed in the United States. [1]
Modes of Intake: SSRIs are taken by mouth in the form of a pill.[2]
Immediate Effects: SSRIs may cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, nervousness and insomnia. However, these symptoms appear to decrease over time. Fluoxetine has caused some patients to experience more vivid dreams.[2]
Long term effects: The most common response to SSRIs is that patients levels of violence and suicide decrease.Some patients who had used fluoxetine in the past have not been happy with the changes they experienced and chose to discontinue use of the drug. They felt that it had "taken some edge or tension out of their lives and made them too bland." Over time, these drugs have the ability to induce intense, violent, suicidal preoccupations. After being taken for three to four weeks, SSRIs may induce racing thoughts, nervousness and tremors.[2]
Medical Use: SSRIs are used for treatment of depression.[1]
Misuse and Abuse: SSRIs appear to be safer than TCAs with fewer reports of death per prescriptions distributed. However, overdoses can still occur. Severe effects after a single massive intake could include coma, seizures, heart problems or death.[2]
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History: In 1987, The first SSRI, fluoxetine (commonly called Prozac) was introduced in the United States. It caught a lot of attention in the media because it was being used as means to alter personality, not to treat depression. It was noted that the drug could cause violent aggressive acts. However, after alterations of the drugs, sales of these antidepressants increased. In 2006, seven different types of these antidepressants were among the top 100 drugs prescribed in the United States. [1]
Modes of Intake: SSRIs are taken by mouth in the form of a pill.[2]
Immediate Effects: SSRIs may cause symptoms such as nausea, headache, nervousness and insomnia. However, these symptoms appear to decrease over time. Fluoxetine has caused some patients to experience more vivid dreams.[2]
Long term effects: The most common response to SSRIs is that patients levels of violence and suicide decrease.Some patients who had used fluoxetine in the past have not been happy with the changes they experienced and chose to discontinue use of the drug. They felt that it had "taken some edge or tension out of their lives and made them too bland." Over time, these drugs have the ability to induce intense, violent, suicidal preoccupations. After being taken for three to four weeks, SSRIs may induce racing thoughts, nervousness and tremors.[2]
Medical Use: SSRIs are used for treatment of depression.[1]
Misuse and Abuse: SSRIs appear to be safer than TCAs with fewer reports of death per prescriptions distributed. However, overdoses can still occur. Severe effects after a single massive intake could include coma, seizures, heart problems or death.[2]
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