Paroxetine can cause significant weight gain, especially with long-term use. Learn why it happens, how it compares to other antidepressants, and practical steps to manage or reverse it without sacrificing mental health.
Read MoreSSRI Side Effects: What You Need to Know Before Starting or Stopping
When you start taking an SSRI, a class of antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain. Also known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, these drugs are among the most prescribed for depression, anxiety, and OCD. But while they help millions, they don’t come without trade-offs. Many people feel better within weeks, but side effects often show up before the benefits do.
Common SSRI side effects include nausea, dry mouth, drowsiness, and trouble sleeping. These usually fade after a few weeks as your body adjusts. But some effects stick around longer—like sexual dysfunction, reduced libido, trouble getting or keeping an erection, or delayed orgasm. This is one of the most reported reasons people stop taking SSRIs, even when they’re working for their mood. Another concern is serotonin syndrome, a rare but dangerous reaction that happens when too much serotonin builds up, often from mixing SSRIs with other drugs like tramadol or St. John’s wort. Symptoms include confusion, rapid heart rate, muscle stiffness, and fever. It’s urgent but avoidable if you tell your doctor everything you’re taking.
Stopping an SSRI suddenly is another big risk. Withdrawal symptoms, sometimes called discontinuation syndrome, can feel like the flu: dizziness, brain zaps, insomnia, nausea, and mood swings. These aren’t signs of addiction—they’re your nervous system reacting to the sudden drop in serotonin. The fix? Slow, guided tapering under a doctor’s care. Never quit cold turkey, even if you feel fine.
Not everyone gets side effects, and not all SSRIs act the same. Some people tolerate sertraline well but struggle with fluoxetine. Others find escitalopram easier on their stomach. It’s trial and error, but you’re not alone in the process. Many of the posts below break down real experiences, compare different SSRIs, and show how to manage these issues without giving up on treatment.
If you’re on an SSRI and feeling off, it doesn’t mean you’re failing. It means your body is responding—and that’s information you can use. The articles here cover everything from how to talk to your doctor about sexual side effects, to natural ways to ease nausea, to what to do when withdrawal hits hard. You’ll find practical steps, not just warnings. Because managing side effects isn’t about avoiding medication—it’s about making it work for you.