During my DPDR recovery I did not take any pharmaceuticals, neither am I a doctor, nevertheless one of the first questions I had during my DPDR was “Is there a pill that can cure me?”. Thus, I contacted a pharmacist to write this article about Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) for me.
Keep on reading to gain insights into SSRIs and its effects on DPDR.
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
Most people with dissociative disorders have co-occurring conditions, and depression is one of the most common. Antidepressants, especially selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are frequently prescribed to treat comorbid depression.
Popular SSRIs for dissociative disorders include:
• Sertraline (Zoloft)
• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• Citalopram (Celexa)
SSRIs work by enhancing the function of nerve cells in the brain by inhibiting serotonin reuptake which has a role in mood elevation. Information is communicated between your nerve cells in the brain. The chemical messengers that deliver these signals are called neurotransmitters. Serotonin is one type of neurotransmitter.
When these brain cells (called neurons) send signals to one another, they release a little bit of a neurotransmitter so that the message can be delivered. They then have to take back the neurotransmitter they released so they can send the next message. This process of replacing the neurotransmitter is called “reuptake.”
If you’re struggling with depression, the areas of your brain that regulate mood and send messages using serotonin might not function properly.
SSRIs help make more serotonin available by blocking the reuptake process. This allows serotonin to build up between neurons so messages can be sent correctly.
The sense of detachment that accompanies depersonalization is often closely linked with flat affect and blunted emotion, all of which can be improved with SSRIs. Antidepressants can also stabilize mood and reduce the intrusive symptoms that trigger dissociative symptoms.
Side effects of SSRIs:
SSRIs are generally safe for most people. Possible side effects of SSRIs may include, among others:
• Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
• Headache
• Drowsiness
• Dry mouth
• Insomnia
• Nervousness, agitation or restlessness
• Dizziness
Conclusion
Open-label trials suggest that the use of SSRIs in combination with lamotrigine is particularly beneficial in a substantial number of patients. Similarly, the use of clonazepam, particularly in conjunction with SSRI antidepressants, appears to be beneficial in patients with high levels of background anxiety. SSRIs can also be used to treat anxiety, which is another commonly co-occurring condition with depersonalization-derealization disorder. They are often the best medical option for treating dissociative disorders with comorbid anxiety.
As well as depression, SSRIs can be used to treat a number of other health conditions, including:
• Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
• Obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD)
• Panic disorder.
• Severe phobias, such as agoraphobia and social phobia.
• Bulimia- potentially life threatening eating disorder.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)