Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) - drug information

2023 Author: Autumn Gilbert | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-11-27 07:39

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of drugs used to treat symptoms of moderate to severe depression. SSRIs are the most commonly used type of antidepressant because they have a lower risk of side effects

SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin, a chemical messenger in the brain that plays an important role in regulating mood, sleep, and appetite. SSRIs prevent serotonin from being reabsorbed into nerve cells, so serotonin levels in the brain increase and symptoms of depression can be reduced.

In addition to treating depression, drugs belonging to the antidepressant group SSRIs can also be used for other conditions, such as anxiety disorders and kleptomania.

Warning Before Using Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Follow your doctor's advice and advice while undergoing treatment with SSRIs. Before using this medicine, you need to pay attention to the following things:

Tell your doctor about any allergies you have. SSRIs should not be used by patients who are allergic to this drug.
Tell your doctor if in the last 14 days you have been treated with an MAOI drug, such as isocarboxazid. SSRIs should not be taken by patients who have recently undergone treatment with these drugs.
The use of SSRIs is not recommended for patients under the age of 25, as they may increase the risk of suicidal thoughts or behavior. Discuss the use of this medication with your doctor first.
SSRIs can cause serotonin syndrome when used with other drugs that also increase serotonin, such as dextromethorphan or tramadol.
Tell your doctor if you have a blood clotting disorder, have gastritis, or are taking blood-thinning medications, such as warfarin. SSRIs can increase the risk of bleeding.
Tell your doctor if you have or are currently suffering from epilepsy, kidney disease, or diabetes.
Tell your doctor if you are taking certain medications, supplements or herbal products.
Tell your doctor if you are pregnant, planning to become pregnant, or are breastfeeding.
See a doctor immediately if an allergic reaction or overdose occurs after using SSRIs.

Side Effects and Dangers of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

The side effects of using SSRIs can vary, depending on the type of drug, dose, and patient response to treatment. However, some side effects that may arise after using SSRIs are:

Sleepy
Dry mouth
Headache or dizziness
Nausea
stomach ache or diarrhea
Joint or muscle pain
Feeling nervous
Difficulty sleeping
Gain weight
Sexual dysfunction

Consult a doctor if the side effects you experience do not subside or are getting worse. You should also see a doctor immediately if you experience an allergic reaction after using SSRIs.

Types, Trademarks, and Dosages of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) should only be used based on a doctor's prescription. The following is an explanation and division of the types of SSRIs:

1. Escitalopram

Form of medicine: Tablet

Trademarks: Cipralex, Depram, Elxion, Escitalopram Oxalate

To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please visit the escitalopram drug page.

2. Fluoxetine

Medication form: Capsules, caplets

Trademarks: Antiprestin, Elizac, Foransi, Fluoxetine HCL, Nopres, Prestin, Sactine

To find out the dosage and more information about this drug, please visit the fluoxetine drug page.

3. Fluvoxamine

Form of medicine: Tablet

Trademark: Luvox

To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please visit the fluvoxamine drug page.

4. Sertraline

Form of medicine: Tablet

Trademarks: Deptral, Fatral, Fridep 50, Iglodep, Nudep, Serlof, Sernade, Sertraline HCL, Zerlin, Zoloft

To find out the dosage and further information about this drug, please visit the sertraline drug page.

5. Citalopram

Form of medicine: Tablet, solution

Trademark: -

Condition: Depression, the depressive phase of bipolar disorder

Adults: The initial dose is 20 mg per day. The dose can be increased to a maximum of 40 mg per day after 1 week.
Elderly: 10 mg per day. The maximum dose is 20 mg per day.

Condition: Panic disorder

Adults: The initial dose is 10 mg per day. The dose can be increased to 20 mg per day after 1 week.
Elderly: 10 mg per day. The maximum dose is 20 mg per day.

6. Paroxetine

Form of medicine: Tablet, capsule, suspension

Trademark: -

Condition: Depression, posttraumatic stress disorder, or generalized anxiety disorder

Adults: The initial dose is 20 mg per day. The maximum dose is 50 mg per day.
Elderly: The initial dose is 10 mg per day. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.

Condition: Social anxiety disorder or obsessive compulsive disorder

Adults: The initial dose is 20 mg per day. The maximum dose is 60 mg per day.
Elderly: The initial dose is 10 mg per day. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.

Condition: Panic disorder

Adults: The initial dose is 10 mg per day. The maximum dose is 60 mg per day.
Elderly: The initial dose is 10 mg per day. The maximum dose is 40 mg per day.

Condition: Premenstrual dysphoric disorder

Adults: Initial dose of 12.5 mg once daily. If needed, the dose may be increased to 25 mg once daily after 1 week.

Condition: Postmenopausal symptoms

Adults: 7.5 mg once daily.

7. Vortioxetine

Form of medicine: Tablet

Trademark: Brintellix

Condition: Depression

Adults: The initial dose is 10 mg once a day. The dose can be increased to 20 mg or decreased to 5 mg, depending on the patient's response to the drug.
Elderly: The initial dose is 5 mg once a day. The dose can be increased to 10 mg once a day if needed.