The Dangers of Taking an SSRI

 SSRIs, selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitor, are a class of drugs that are primarily used to treat depression and anxiety. SSRI drugs work by increasing the levels of serotonin in your brain. Some of the most popular SSRI drugs are Paxil and Prozac.

The Dangers of SSRI Drugs

SSRI drugs cause an unnatural amount of serotonin to be released into the brain. Although they help most people resolve their depressive symptoms, they also have a plethora of side effects.

SSRIs cause serotonin receptors to down regulate. This is the same thing that happens to people that abuse drugs such as ecstasy and methamphetamine. If you take an SSRI, you'll have to take higher and higher doses to feel normal. When you finally do decide to quit many people go through a withdrawal period. It can take most people up to a year or more to feel back to normal and in severe cases the damage can be permanent. If you're on an SSRI I'd highly recommend tapering off and switching to a more natural depression supplement.

 Natural Alternatives

 Many alternatives exist for treating depression. They are a lot safer and don't have nearly as many side effects. You can find all of the supplements below at your local vitamin shop.

5-HTP

5-HTP is a natural precursor to serotonin, the same brain chemical that SSRI drugs realese. 5-HTP naturally increases your serotonin levels. 5-HTP is found in many foods but supplementing it can help resolve depression. 5-HTP can cause heart valve damage in chronic, high doses. Make sure and use the bear minimum amount to feel normal. 5-HTP can also help you recover quicker if you're withdrawing from an SSRI.

St. John's Wort 

 St. John's Wort works more like an SSRI although it isn't nuerotoxic. St. John's Wort is a supplement sold in many grocery stores and vitamin shops for the treatment of depression and anxiety. St. John's Wort doesn't cause SSRI withdrawl symtoms and has very few side effects.

I'd highly recommend getting off SSRI drugs if you're taking them. Their are plenty of natural alternatives on the market. Not only are these natural altnernatives safer, they often have fewer side effects.