The SSRI citalopram increases the sensitivity of the human circadian system to light to an acute dose
Release of Melatonin (Melatonin Onset)
- Healthy sleeper, under dim light: 2-hours 40 minutes before bedtime
- Healthy sleeper with a placebo and exposed to 100 lx room light (no SSRIs): 1-hour 9 minutes before bedtime
- Healthy sleeper with SSRIs and exposed to 100 lx room light: 9-minutes after bedtime
Findings from Springer Nature Link show:
- Exposure to 100 lx (at night) with a placebo, delayed the release of melatonin by 1-hour 31 minutes
- Exposure to 100 lx (at night) with the SSRI, delayed the release of melatonin by 2-hour 49 minutes
1 in 7 Australians take antidepressants
more than 3.5M in 2021-22… one of the highest prescribing rates in the world.
Emerging research relating to SSRIs
ROYAL COMMISSION INTO AGED CARE QUALITY & SAFETY: CARE, DIGNITY & RESPECT (2021)
Assault
“In 2019–20, residential aged care services reported 5718 allegations of assault under the mandatory reporting requirements
KPMG conducted a study for the Australian Department of Health and estimated that a further 27,000 to 39,000 assaults occurred that were exempt from mandatory reporting.”
Restraints
“For example, the approved provider of the Earle Haven aged care facility on the Gold Coast disclosed, when asked in June 2019:
- 71% of its residents received psychotropic medication
- 50% were physically restrained”
– Psychotropic medication: any drug capable of affecting the mind, emotions, andbehaviour (including SSRIs)-
Source: Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety Final Report: Care, Dignity and Respect Volume 2 The current system Pages 94, 97
Side Effects of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Insomnia
- Dizziness
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Bruising or unusual bleeding
Symptoms of mania or hypomania - Seizures or convulsions
- Allergic reactions
- Muscle rigidity, fever, tremors, and/or seizures
- Nausea, Diarrhea, Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sweating
- Anxiety
- Erectile and ejaculation difficulties
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Reduced sex drive
- Fatigue or drowsiness
Source: Choosing Therapy
