A BBC medic has issued an important reminder to Brits taking a common type of antidepressant. Doctor Ranj Singh encouraged patients to be aware of two side effects when taking selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), which are thought to work by increasing serotonin levels, a chemical linked to mood. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, he said two potential side effects are suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction, which can continue after you finish taking the medication. Common variants include fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram, the doctor explained.
Speaking to hosts Gethin Jones and Gaby Roslin, he said: “Lots of people take antidepressants for various reasons. We know that they can be life-saving, but we also know that some of them have potentially significant side effects. This is just a reminder of that for a specific type of antidepressant called an SSRI.”
Dr Ranj added: “It’s just a reminder that people need to be aware of this and if you happen to be having any of these symptoms, please speak to a healthcare professional. You should not be making changes to your medication off your own back. Just be aware of it, doesn’t mean you’re going to get it, but if you do, please speak to someone.”
According to the NHS, SSRIs are the most widely used type of antidepressants, and they are usually the first type prescribed because the side effects are “generally easier to manage, and they are less likely to cause serious problems if you take too much of the medicine”.
The UK Government issued an update about the side affects on October 15. It wrote that “new safety measures are now being implemented to improve how the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviours and persistent sexual dysfunction are communicated to patients taking antidepressant medications.”
In advice published by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency, it urged health professionals to tell their patients to seek urgent medical advice, should they have “new or worsening suicidal thoughts, particularly when starting or changing the dose”.
Patients can seek help at NHS 111, talk to their local mental health crisis team, call Samaritans on 116 123, or text “SHOUT” to 85258. People can also find more information and support options on the NHS website.
The NHS explains that medications – like fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram – can be used to treat several concerns. Citalopram can be used to treat depression and panic disorder.
Fluoxetine can be used to treat conditions such as depression, bulimia and OCD. It can sometimes be used for menopause symptoms.
This story originally appeared on Express.co.uk
