Unusual and Serious Adverse Effects of SSRIs: Recognition and Management

Abstract

<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 commonly used, generally well tolerated, and considered safe, especially compared with the older-generation tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) (Howland & Thase, 2002). Because of their potent effects on serotonin reuptake, SSRIs are associated with various noxious (Masand & Gupta, 1999) and sometimes serious adverse effects (Ener, Meglathery, Van Decker, & Gallagher, 2003). In last month’s Psychopharmacology article, I focused on some of the most common and clinically important side effects of SSRIs. In this article, I will review more unusual and serious adverse effects associated with SSRIs. </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>