Understanding Antidepressants, Part 1: What Are SSRIs and How Do They Work?
Understanding Antidepressants, Part 1: What Are SSRIs and How Do They Work?
By Tannia Salazar, APRN | Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health 🌿
If you’ve been prescribed an antidepressant—or are thinking about asking for one—you might feel overwhelmed by all the names, acronyms, and side effects you’ve heard about.
Let’s start with one of the most commonly prescribed classes: SSRIs.
In this post, I’ll explain what SSRIs are, how they work, what side effects to expect, and how they fit into a bigger picture of mental health care.
What Does SSRI Stand For?
SSRI = Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
That sounds technical, but here’s what it means in plain language:
Serotonin is a neurotransmitter—a chemical messenger that affects mood, sleep, appetite, and even pain perception. When your brain sends out serotonin, it normally reabsorbs it quickly. SSRIs help your brain hold onto more serotonin, making it more available to help regulate your emotions.
What Conditions Do SSRIs Help With?
SSRIs are first-line medications for many conditions, including:
Major depressive disorder (MDD)
Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD)
Panic disorder
Social anxiety
Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
PTSD (as part of a broader treatment plan)
They can also be helpful for PMDD (premenstrual dysphoric disorder) and chronic pain conditions in some cases.
Common SSRIs You Might Hear About
Here are some frequently prescribed SSRIs (with brand names in parentheses):
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine (Prozac)
Paroxetine (Paxil)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox) — primarily used for OCD
Each SSRI has subtle differences. Some are more activating, others more calming. We choose based on your symptoms, history, and how your body tends to respond.
How Long Do SSRIs Take to Work?
Most people don’t feel the full effect right away. It usually takes:
1–2 weeks to notice small improvements (like better sleep or appetite)
6 to 8 weeks for full therapeutic effects on mood or anxiety
Sometimes up to 12 weeks, depending on the individual
This is a gradual process, and it’s normal to feel unsure in the beginning. We monitor closely and adjust if needed.
Common Side Effects
Most side effects happen in the first 1–2 weeks and improve with time. Here's what patients often report:
| Symptom | What it Might Feel Like | Should I Worry? |
|---|---|---|
| Nausea | Mild queasiness, especially in the morning or after taking the med | Common and usually fades within a week or two |
| Headache | Dull tension-type headache | Often improves quickly—hydration helps |
| Stomach upset / diarrhea | Increased urgency or bloating | Usually temporary |
| Sleep changes | Trouble falling asleep (or vivid dreams) | May improve with routine or dose timing |
| Increased anxiety or jitteriness | Feeling “revved up” in the first few days | Call if intense—can adjust dose or timing |
| Fatigue | Feeling a little more tired or foggy | Usually resolves—some SSRIs are more sedating than others |
| Appetite changes | Some people feel hungrier, others less interested in food | Often levels out with time |
⚠️ Note: Serious side effects like suicidal thoughts, serotonin syndrome, or severe agitation are rare, but always worth discussing with your provider immediately if they occur.
What SSRIs Don’t Do
SSRIs don’t change your personality. They don’t make you numb, although emotional blunting may occur. They don’t erase your emotions.
What they can do is create more stability, so you can engage with therapy, relationships, and life with more clarity and capacity.
What to Expect if You Start an SSRI With Me
At Rooted in Serenity, I walk you through every step. We’ll talk about:
Your full history, goals, and concerns
What medication (if any) aligns with your symptoms
How to recognize helpful effects vs. side effects
When to adjust the plan—or stop if it’s not the right fit
What to expect emotionally during the first month
You’ll never be rushed or pressured. Your questions are always welcome.
Final Thought
SSRIs aren’t magic—but they’re not a last resort either.
For many people, they offer just enough steadiness to start healing in a deeper, more sustainable way.
If you’re struggling with anxiety, low mood, or feeling emotionally stuck, you deserve to explore every tool available to support your brain, your body, and your future.
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Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health provides trauma-informed psychiatric medication management for adults across CT—via secure telehealth.
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🌿 Tannia Salazar, APRN, is the founder of Rooted in Serenity Behavioral Health LLC, offering telepsychiatry services across Connecticut for adults navigating anxiety, ADHD, trauma, and more.
