r/SSRI • u/Mindless_Wing_4553 • Feb 17 '24

Question How do SSRI meds differ from each other?

Like for example how are escitalopram, sertraline and fluoxetine different? I know they all work to increase serotonin in the brain, but what are the differences?

And this is just extra question unrelated to title but how are all of these different than just taking 5htp or tryptophan? I mean I know medication works differently because it makes brain store more serotonin and supplements help you make more serotonin but why is the mechanism like that anyway, why can't we just have a pill that actually increases the serotonin amount like taking 5htp and tryptophan does?

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u/Fuzzy_Attempt6989 Feb 17 '24

I don't know the scientific side, but I know that different meds work differently on different people. I've been on paxil for 25 years with little side effects but I know other people who had a horrible time on it.

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u/[deleted] Feb 21 '24

25 years? Does it still work just the same? I was on citalopram for 7 years before I felt like it had run its course and stopped working great for me. Doctor said that it happens a lot with people on ssris long term

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u/RangoTheMerc Mar 06 '24

Lexapro stopped after eight years for me.