Dr Ranj Singh, appearing on BBC Morning Live on October 16, issued a reminder to anyone in the UK taking antidepressants that they need to be "aware" of two potential side effects. The advice was aimed mainly at people taking SSRIs such as fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram.
Two side effects to 'be aware of'
The doctor explained: "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. We're talking about medications like fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram."
According to the NHS, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most widely used type of antidepressants. It explains: "It's thought to work by increasing the level of serotonin (a chemical in the brain linked to mood). When serotonin levels are normal, this may reduce stress levels and negative thoughts."
The medic said that "two of the potential side-effects with these medications, particularly, are suicidal thoughts and sexual dysfunction, which can continue after you finish taking the medication."
What the medications treat
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."
The NHS explains that medications like fluoxetine, sertraline and citalopram can be used to treat several concerns. It notes that citalopram can be used to treat depression and panic disorder, while sertraline can be used for depression, obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD), panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and social anxiety disorder. Fluoxetine is also a common medication and can be used to treat health conditions such as depression, bulimia and OCD. It can sometimes be used for menopause symptoms too.
UK Government update
The UK Government has also issued a release on this issue. In an update 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 listed guidance aimed at healthcare professionals. It notes that the professionals should tell concerned patients that if they have "new or worsening suicidal thoughts, particularly when starting or changing the dose of antidepressants, seek urgent medical attention."
It adds that patients can call NHS 111, or talk to their local mental health crisis team, Samaritans on 116 123, or text “SHOUT” to 85258. People can also find more information and support options on the NHS website.
The summary reads: "New safety measures are now being implemented for all patients taking antidepressant medications. This follows completion of a detailed review, involving patients and their families, into how the risks of suicidal thoughts and behaviours, and persistent sexual dysfunction are communicated in the patient information leaflets (PILs) that accompany antidepressant medications. These changes involve a new boxed warning in the PIL, a new patient card, and a supporting safety (ancillary) leaflet. The term post SSRI sexual dysfunction (“PSSD”) is also being added to the PIL for some antidepressant medications."
