SSRI & SNRI
SSRIs and SNRIs are classes of antidepressant medications commonly used to treat depression and anxiety disorders. SSRIs primarily increase serotonin levels in the brain, while SNRIs increase both serotonin and norepinephrine. These medications can help regulate mood, anxiety, and emotional processing.
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This page summarizes anecdotal reports and community observations, not medical evidence. Reports may be incomplete, biased or inaccurate and are not medical advice or recommendations. “Risk” here refers to how frequently severe or prolonged symptom worsening is reported, not to proven causation or population-wide probability. Individual responses vary widely, and absence of issues in some users does not rule out significant reactions in others.
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Within PFS/PSSD/PAS communities, SSRIs and SNRIs are discussed in relation to their potential interactions with serotonergic and norepinephrine signaling pathways. SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors) and SNRIs (serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors) increase serotonergic signaling by inhibiting reuptake transporters (SSRIs primarily serotonin; SNRIs serotonin plus norepinephrine). These mechanisms can strongly alter serotonin-driven neurochemistry and sexual function. The overlap commonly cited is symptom-pattern similarity (sexual dysfunction, emotional blunting/anhedonia, altered arousal and stress response), suggesting possible intersections with serotonergic pathways that are often discussed in relation to PFS / PSSD / PAS. (ncbi)(ema)(ncbi 2)
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Reports of Severe and Sometimes Lasting Worsening (for PFS/PSSD/PAS):
Among individuals who already have PFS/PSSD/PAS, SSRIs and SNRIs are approached with significant caution as they are frequently cited in community reports as preceding symptom worsening, with accounts describing both acute exacerbations and longer-lasting declines in baseline. Although the severity and duration of these reactions vary between individuals, reports within this subgroup show a largely consistent direction toward worsening rather than improvement. There are few reports of reinstatement improving symptoms but it is an extreme risk strategy. In light of this pattern, many within the community view SSRIs and SNRIs as carrying a meaningful risk for those with established PFS/PSSD/PAS, even in the absence of controlled data.
For individuals without these conditions, SSRIs and SNRIs are widely prescribed and beneficial for many, but there are still reports of persistent sexual and emotional side effects after discontinuation in a subset of users.
Evidence basis: Regulatory safety communications; clinical and review literature; anecdotal reports (online forums, self-reports); no controlled studies examining PFS/PSSD/PAS-specific outcomes.
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Crash / Baseline Drops (Reported)
Cure / Recovery Claim
Public comments reflect individual experiences and opinions. They are not medical advice and may not be accurate or representative.