Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a group of drugs used to treat depression, and some other illnesses. They include citalopram (Cipramil), fluoxetine (Prozac), fluvoxamine (Faverin), paroxetine (Seroxat), and sertraline (Lustral). They are the most commonly prescribed group of antidepressants.
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SSRIs work well in treating depression. They work as well as another group of antidepressants called tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), and a psychological treatment called cognitive behaviour therapy (CBT).
Each of these treatments has an improvement rate of 50-60%.
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People who take SSRIs may experience side effects. Common ones include agitation, dry mouth, headache, nausea, and nervousness. They generally improve after a few days. People may tolerate SSRIs better than TCAs.
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Important notes
- SSRIs should not be taken within 2 weeks of stopping MAOIs, or with some other medicines
- SSRIs are safer in overdose than the TCAs
- SSRIs are not addictive
- SSRIs should not be stopped suddenly
- SSRIs do not increase the risk of suicide
- Alcohol may reduce the effectiveness of SSRIs and increase their toxicity