SSRIs and Gastrointestinal Side Effects

Mechanism and Effects

• SSRIs increase gastrointestinal motility by increasing serotonin concentration at nerve endings, which can accelerate transit and cause upper GI symptoms, with no demonstrated impact on visceral sensation or lower esophageal sphincter tone, according to the American Gastroenterological Association 1, 2
• The American Gastroenterological Association recommends against using SSRIs for irritable bowel syndrome and related visceral disorders because they did not significantly improve symptoms (RR 0.74; 95% CI 0.52-1.06), with the upper confidence interval suggesting possible symptom worsening 1, 3