Managing Common Side Effects of SSRIs

Abstract

<h4>Please click <a href="~/link.aspx?_id=E2E51DAC44DF4DBD95FCB377C8DC5B7F&_z=z">here</a> to read the letter to the editor. </h4> <h4>EXCERPT </h4> <p>The selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressant agents fluvoxamine (Luvox<sup>®</sup>), fluoxetine (Prozac<sup>®</sup>), paroxetine (Paxil<sup>®</sup>), sertraline (Zoloft<sup>®</sup>), citalopram (Celexa<sup>®</sup>), and escitalopram (Lexapro<sup>®</sup>) are among the most widely prescribed medications in the world. They are approved and used primarily for the treatment of depression and various anxiety disorders but are also commonly used for the treatment of other mental disorders and physical conditions (Sadock & Sadock, 2001). These drugs are generally viewed as being safe and well tolerated. Indeed, their superior safety and tolerability profile, compared with that of older-generation antidepressant drugs, greatly contributed to their explosive and widespread use during the past 2 decades. Nevertheless, the SSRIs (like all drugs) are not perfect. In this article, I will review some of the most common side effects and their management. </p> <h4>ABOUT THE AUTHOR</h4> <p>Dr. Howland is Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. </p> <p>The author discloses that he has no significant financial interests in any product or class of products discussed directly or indirectly in this activity, including research support. </p> <p>Address correspondence to Robert H. Howland, MD, Associate Professor of Psychiatry, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Western Psychiatric Institute and Clinic, 3811 O’Hara Street, Pittsburgh, PA 15213; e-mail: <a href="mailto:HowlandRH@upmc.edu">HowlandRH@upmc.edu</a>. </p>