Tag: Ssri

From 1999 to 2014, the use of antidepressants in the U.S. increased by 64% [1.12.4]. Many of these drugs work by increasing levels of a key neurotransmitter. If you're asking, 'Which medicine boosts serotonin?', this article explores the primary classes of medications designed to do just that.

Antidepressants can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks or even months to be fully eliminated from the body, depending heavily on the specific drug's half-life and individual patient factors. Understanding this process is key for anyone considering stopping their medication and navigating potential withdrawal effects.

While selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like sertraline are widely prescribed, studies have confirmed that they can inhibit platelet aggregation, potentially increasing the risk of abnormal bleeding. This crucial insight highlights the need for a careful assessment of how **can sertraline affect blood clotting** and what precautions patients should take.

Pharmacological guidelines consistently advise against taking Lexapro (escitalopram) on an every-other-day schedule. While a specific dose is often prescribed for daily treatment, skipping days can cause significant and potentially harmful fluctuations in the medication's level within your body, destabilizing mood and triggering withdrawal symptoms.

Abruptly stopping antidepressants just to drink alcohol can worsen depression and lead to serious withdrawal symptoms. Knowing **how long after stopping antidepressants can I drink alcohol?** is a complex question with no single answer, depending heavily on the specific medication and your individual health.

Studies suggest that while treating unipolar depression, approximately 3.7% of individuals may switch to mania after taking an SSRI [1.6.3]. Knowing what to do if an SSRI makes you manic is critical for safety and proper diagnosis.

While antidepressant-induced psychosis is rare, one retrospective review of adult psychiatric admissions found that 8.1% could be attributed to antidepressant-associated mania or psychosis [1.3.5]. The critical question remains: **can antidepressants trigger psychosis** in susceptible individuals?

Yes, headaches are a common side effect of sertraline (Zoloft), especially during the initial adjustment phase. In fact, some clinical trials have reported that up to 22% of users experience headaches when taking the medication.

Studies show that about 50 out of 100 people taking antidepressants notice an improvement in symptoms [1.10.2]. While often associated with serotonin, the question remains: **Do antidepressants increase GABA**, the brain's main calming neurotransmitter? The answer is more complex than a simple yes or no.

According to a 2016 study, adults taking sertraline over two years experienced an average weight gain of 5.9 pounds. This common side effect can be distressing for many people and often raises the question: **Why am I gaining weight on sertraline**?