Dr Ranj Singh, a BBC health expert, has issued an important health warning to people in the UK taking antidepressants. Speaking on BBC Morning Live, he highlighted two key side effects that users of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) such as fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram should be aware of.
Two main side effects of SSRIs
Dr Singh explained that while antidepressants can be life-saving, some have potentially significant side effects. 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."
He added: "This is just a reminder of that for a specific type of antidepressant called an SSRI. We're talking about medications like fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram." The two side effects he flagged are suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction, which can continue after finishing the medication.
NHS guidance and government measures
The NHS states that SSRIs are the most widely used type of antidepressants, thought to work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which may reduce stress and negative thoughts. The health service also notes that citalopram can treat depression and panic disorder, while sertraline is used for depression, OCD, PTSD, panic disorder and social anxiety disorder. Fluoxetine can treat depression, bulimia, OCD and even symptoms of menopause.
Dr Singh advised: "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."
The UK government has issued a statement following a detailed review involving patients and their families into how risks of suicidal thoughts and persistent sexual dysfunction are communicated in patient information leaflets (PILs). New safety measures include a boxed warning in the PIL, a new patient card, and a supporting safety leaflet. The term post SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD) is also being added to the PIL for some antidepressant medications.
