SSRIs, or selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, are a widely used type of antidepressant medication. They are mainly prescribed to treat depression, particularly persistent or severe cases, and are often used in combination with talking therapies such as cognitive behavioral therapy. SSRIs work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which is thought to have a positive influence on mood, emotion, and sleep. They are also used to treat other mental health conditions such as anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Additionally, SSRIs can be used to treat other conditions such as premature ejaculation, premenstrual syndrome, fibromyalgia, and irritable bowel syndrome. The most common SSRIs include fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, and escitalopram
. SSRIs are considered relatively safe and cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants. However, they can also have interactions with other medicines, so it's important to inform your doctor about all the medications and supplements you are taking before starting an SSRI treatment
