Question

Julie is receiving selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for her depression. Her psychiatrist told her that they would improve her mood and mental alertness and make her more active. Meanwhile, Julie’s friend told her that he was prescribed an SSRI for panic attacks. Why are these two ailments being treated with the same class of drugs? Is one of these patients mistaken about the type of drug being taken?

Answer 1

Both depression and panic attacks are treated with SSRIs because SSRIs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain.

Serotonin is a neurotransmitter that plays a role in regulating mood, anxiety, and sleep. When serotonin levels are low, it can contribute to depression and anxiety disorders like panic attacks. SSRIs work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, which means that more serotonin is available to be used by the brain which can help to improve mood, reduce anxiety, and improve sleep.

Julie psychiatrist may have prescribed an SSRI for her depression because SSRIs are one of the most effective treatments for depression and are generally well-tolerated and have a relatively low risk of side effects.