Ssri drugs list
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Comprehensive List of SSRIs and Their Applications
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs widely used in the treatment of various mood and anxiety disorders. This article provides an overview of the most commonly prescribed SSRIs, their pharmacological properties, and their therapeutic applications.
Common SSRIs: Fluoxetine, Sertraline, Paroxetine, Fluvoxamine, Citalopram, and Escitalopram
Fluoxetine
Fluoxetine is one of the most well-known SSRIs and is commonly used to treat major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), bulimia nervosa, and panic disorder. It has a long half-life, which can be beneficial in reducing withdrawal symptoms1 2.
Sertraline
Sertraline is another widely prescribed SSRI, effective in treating major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), social anxiety disorder, and premenstrual dysphoric disorder. It is known for its relatively favorable side-effect profile1 2.
Paroxetine
Paroxetine is used to treat major depressive disorder, OCD, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder, and PTSD. It has a shorter half-life compared to fluoxetine, which may lead to more pronounced withdrawal symptoms upon discontinuation1 2.
Fluvoxamine
Fluvoxamine is primarily used for the treatment of OCD and social anxiety disorder. It is less commonly prescribed for depression compared to other SSRIs1 2.
Citalopram and Escitalopram
Citalopram and its enantiomer, escitalopram, are used to treat major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder. Escitalopram is often preferred due to its higher efficacy and lower side-effect profile1 2.
Pharmacokinetics and Drug Interactions
SSRIs differ in their pharmacokinetic properties, including half-life and metabolism. For instance, fluoxetine has a long half-life, while paroxetine has a shorter one. These differences can influence the choice of SSRI based on patient-specific factors such as the potential for drug-drug interactions and the risk of withdrawal symptoms7.
Therapeutic Applications
Depression and Anxiety Disorders
SSRIs are the first-line treatment for major depressive disorder and various anxiety disorders due to their efficacy and relatively favorable side-effect profile compared to older antidepressants like tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors1 2 9.
Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD)
SSRIs such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, and fluvoxamine are effective in treating OCD, providing significant relief from symptoms1 2.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
SSRIs like sertraline and paroxetine are commonly prescribed for PTSD, helping to alleviate symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety1 2.
Postpartum Depression
SSRIs have been shown to be effective in treating postpartum depression, although the evidence does not clearly demonstrate their superiority over other treatments. They are generally well-tolerated in this population10.
Stroke Recovery
Recent studies suggest that SSRIs may improve recovery after stroke, even in patients who are not depressed. This includes improvements in dependence, disability, neurological impairment, anxiety, and depression4.
Side Effects and Withdrawal Symptoms
Common side effects of SSRIs include gastrointestinal disturbances, headache, sedation, insomnia, weight gain, and sexual dysfunction. Withdrawal symptoms can occur upon discontinuation, especially with SSRIs that have shorter half-lives like paroxetine. These symptoms can include dizziness, nausea, fatigue, and irritability1 5.
Conclusion
SSRIs, including fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, fluvoxamine, citalopram, and escitalopram, are essential tools in the treatment of various mood and anxiety disorders. Their efficacy, safety profile, and tolerability make them a preferred choice for many patients. However, clinicians must consider individual pharmacokinetic properties and potential withdrawal symptoms when prescribing these medications.
Sources and full results
Most relevant research papers on this topic
Selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors: an update.
SSRIs are effective and well-tolerated treatments for various mood and anxiety disorders, with fluoxetine being safe in pregnancy.
Systematic Review
Highly CitedSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs): therapeutic drug monitoring and pharmacological interactions.
SSRIs are effective and relatively safe new-generation antidepressants, with therapeutic drug monitoring playing a crucial role in preventing drug interactions and side effects.
Highly CitedNew-Generation, Non-SSRI Antidepressants: Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Pharmacological Interactions. Part 1: SNRIs, SMSs, SARIs.
Non-SSRI antidepressants, such as SNRIs, SARIs, and SMSs, offer comparable clinical results and tolerability, but require therapeutic drug monitoring for pharmacokinetics, metabolism, and interactions.
Systematic ReviewSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for stroke recovery.
SSRIs significantly improve recovery after stroke, reducing dependency and disability in people not depressed.
Meta-Analysis
Very Rigorous JournalHighly CitedWithdrawal Symptoms after Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor Discontinuation: A Systematic Review
SSRIs can cause withdrawal symptoms when discontinue, and the term 'discontinuation syndrome' should be replaced with 'withdrawal syndrome' to better describe these vulnerabilities.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for depressive disorders in children and adolescents.
SSRIs show potential in reducing depression symptoms in children and adolescents, but their effectiveness is limited by methodological issues and potential increased risk of suicidal outcomes.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedPharmacokinetics of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.
Different SSRIs have different pharmacokinetic properties, which should be considered when selecting a specific treatment for depression or other disorders involving the serotonergic system.
Highly CitedSerotonin reuptake inhibitor antidepressants and abnormal bleeding: a review for clinicians and a reconsideration of mechanisms.
SSRIs may increase gastrointestinal bleeding risk and protect against ischemic heart disease, with caution needed in high-risk patients.
Systematic ReviewHighly CitedSSRIs versus other antidepressants for depressive disorder.
There are no clinically significant differences in effectiveness between SSRIs and tricyclic antidepressants, with treatment decisions based on patient acceptability, toxicity, and cost.
Meta-AnalysisHighly CitedSelective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) for post-partum depression (PPD): a systematic review of randomized clinical trials.
SSRIs are generally well-tolerated and effective in treating postpartum depression, but their clear superiority over other treatments remains unclear.
Systematic Review
Rigorous JournalHighly Cited