SSRI and Long Term Use - SSRI Long Term Side Effects Common After Prolonged Use

Because SSRIs (Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors) are relatively new, there is still a lack of complete evidence as to the implications and side effects of prolonged use. With those who have used an SSRI for more than two years, there have been reports of long term side effects.

Most Common Long Term Side Effects of SSRI Use

You may not have all of the following side effects after the prolonged use of an SSRI, but you certainly may have one or some of these side effects. The severity and frequency of these side effects will be due, in large part, to individual differences and dosing patterns.

Concentration Problems Confusion Muscle Tics Restlessness
Serious Long Term Effects of SSRI Use

These SSRI long term side effects are more serious and will generally either hamper your life severely or require medical treatment.

Sexual Dysfunction There are a whole host of sexual side effects attributed to long term use of SSRIs. Sexual side effects may make themselves apparent during SSRI treatment and even after SSRI treatments have been discontinued. It is thought that anywhere from 30 to 80 percent of those who use SSRIs will suffer from some sort of sexual dysfunction during or after their SSRI treatment.

Serotonin Syndrome

Serotonin syndrome is incredibly serious and can even be fatal if left untreated. It is mainly a product of mixing anti-depressants such as an SSRI and an MAOI. It is basically an overload of serotonin in the brain and can manifest itself quickly or over the long term. Long term usage of SSRI treatments can cause serotonin depletion.

Problems with Short Term Memory

This can be particularly frustrating and will leave you scratching your head over recently given names, places, directions and instructions. It can affect your relationships and your work. It is quite common in those who have used SSRIs for a prolonged period of time, but its severity varies.

Problems Sleeping

Sleeping problems can actually lead to a whole host of other problems concerning your health both mentally and physically. Again, the severity varies with each individual and can also affect your relationships and work.

Weight Gain

Weight Gain is one of the most common side effects of long term use of an SSRI. The average person gains about 15 to 20 pounds with long term SSRI use. To stop this requires self-discipline on your part to eat healthier, exercise and work to keep your weight under control.

SSRI Discontinuation Syndrome - SSRI discontinuation syndrome comes after SSRI treatment has ended. The symptoms of SSRI discontinuation syndrome may last for a month or possibly years. It includes a whole host of side effects, some of which have been mentioned above. Sexual side effects and problems with shock-like sensations in the brain are the most undesirable. Vivid nightmares and headaches are also common. SSRI discontinuation syndrome is thought to be caused, at least in part, by remnants of the SSRI chemicals in the brain.