SSRIs can have some serious side effects. Here are some safer SSRI alternatives to mention to your doctor.
Timestamps
0:00 Introduction: What are SSRIs?
1:00 SSRI side effects
1:45 Safer SSRI alternatives
3:58 Share your success story!
In this video, we’re going to talk about safer SSRI alternatives.
What are SSRIs?
SSRI stands for selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.
Within our neurons, there is a release of serotonin from one point to another. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter—which is like a message sent between one neuron and other through a synapse.
After the serotonin (message) is received, a lot of it is recycled to preserve efficiency.
An SSRI blocks the recycling of serotonin. This increases the amount of serotonin in the synapse temporarily.
SSRIs are primarily used for:
• Depression
• Anxiety
• OCD
SSRI medications can have some serious side effects, including:
• Suicidal thoughts
• Increased risk of bone fracture
• Restless legs syndrome
• Jaw spasms
• Loss of libido
• Numbness in genitals
• Loss of sexual pleasure
• Loss of sex organ function
• Increase in violent acts
• GI bleeding
• Heart disease
There are some safer SSRI alternatives available. If you decide you’d like to try these alternatives, it’s important that you work with your doctor to make changes to your medications. Do not reduce or stop taking your medications without your physician’s approval.
Safer SSRI alternatives include:
1. St. John’s Wort - mimics serotonin and increases neurotransmitters
2. Vitamin D - boosts your mood
3. Fasting - greatly increases your mood
4. SAMe - improves depression symptoms
5. Omega-3 fatty acids - large doses can improve your mood
6. Folate, B12, and other B vitamins - helps reduce side effects
You also want to improve your diet by going on Healthy Keto. A healthy diet is one of the best things you can do to improve your mood.
Dr. Eric Berg
08/31/2023
