mental health disorders
Medications for Treatment of Depression
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are now the most commonly used class of antidepressants. SSRIs are effective in treating depression as well as other mental health disorders that often coexist with depression. Although SSRIs can cause nausea, diarrhea, tremor, weight loss, and headache, these side effects are usually mild or go away with continued use. Most people tolerate the side effects of SSRIs better than the side effects of Heterocyclic (including tricyclic) antidepressants . SSRIs are less likely to adversely affect the heart than heterocyclic antidepressants. However, a few people may seem more agitated, depressed, and anxious the first week after they start SSRIs or the dose is increased. These people, especially children and adolescents, may become increasingly suicidal if these symptoms are not detected and rapidly treated. People taking SSRIs and their loved ones should be warned of this possibility and instructed to call their doctor if symptoms worsen with treatment. However, because people with untreated depression also sometimes complete suicide, people and their doctors must balance this risk against the risks associated with prescribed medications. Also, with long-term use, SSRIs may have additional side effects, such as weight gain and sexual dysfunction (in one third of people). Some SSRIs, such asfluoxetine, cause loss of appetite. During the first few weeks after SSRIs are started, people may feel drowsy during the day, but this effect is temporary. Abruptly stopping some of the SSRIs may result in a discontinuation syndrome that includes dizziness, anxiety, irritability, fatigue, nausea, chills, and muscle aches. If a person is pregnant, a doctor will discuss the risks and benefits of using SSRIs, if they are still needed. However,paroxetineshould not be used because it may cause heart defects. 