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SSRI Side Effects

Meaning

The range of undesirable or adverse physiological and psychological reactions that may occur as a consequence of therapeutic use of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a widely prescribed class of antidepressant medications. These effects can span from common, transient issues like gastrointestinal upset and headaches to more complex, chronic problems such as sexual dysfunction, changes in body weight, and emotional blunting. Clinicians must judiciously weigh the psychological benefits of serotonin modulation against the potential for these side effects, which frequently compromise patient adherence and overall quality of life. Understanding the endocrine crosstalk is necessary for comprehensive patient management.