“Are SSRIs bad for you long-term?”

Not in any way. If you have side effects those go away when you stop the medication. There are no long term negative effects and if SSRIs are effective for symptoms, the symptoms are usually more dangerous to the individual than transient medication side effects.

Most information indicates that these are very very well tolerated without much of a problem to one’s body. There have been some recent issues concerning bone density. My approach to advising the use of his medication is to use them as an appropriate length of time, and ultimately minimize the amount that keeps you happy and healthy. I have many people that have been on these medication‘s for many many many many years and are very content with out having any mood issues because of how the medication has been so helpful over the years. Would always try to be in cognitive behavioral therapy in order to potentially decrease the over all amount of the medication being taken to the minimum amount that is necessary. Hope this helps!!

Lance Steinberg MD, Inc.
Assistant Clinical Professor
UCLA (Geffen) NPI
1(818)224-3540

Everything has pros and cons. The medication is designed to treat depression and anxiety and we do see good results in most clients. However, medication itself does cause side effects. It depends on how you weigh risk and benefit.

Life circumstances change. SSRIs might not be needed on a permanent basis; ALL medications have side effects while you are on them. Only you TOGETHER with your psychiatrist can decide IF it is safe to taper down or stop your SSRI. Otherwise, you are likely to experience significant withdrawal symptoms.

lIf an SSRI has been helpful to you and you have no significant side effects, there is little risk in continuing for more months or years.