Antidepressants (SSRIs)
- First-line antidepressants/anxiolytics
- indications vary by individual SSRI
- Sertraline/escitalopram = versatile defaults
- Fluoxetine: long t½; often activating
- Paroxetine: withdrawal, weight, antimuscarinic
- Fluvoxamine: OCD + many CYP interactions
- GI + sexual adverse effects are common
- MAOI combination → dangerous serotonin toxicity
Class at a glance
- First-line antidepressants/anxiolytics
- indications vary by individual SSRI
Pharmacology
- Fluoxetine: long t½; often activating
- Fluvoxamine: OCD + many CYP interactions
Practical pearls
- Sertraline/escitalopram = versatile defaults
Safety / monitoring
- Paroxetine: withdrawal, weight, antimuscarinic
- GI + sexual adverse effects are common
- MAOI combination → dangerous serotonin toxicity
Self-check
- Which SSRIs are versatile default choices?
Sertraline and escitalopram.
- Which SSRI has a long half-life and is often activating?
Fluoxetine.
- Which SSRI is notable for withdrawal, weight gain and antimuscarinic effects?
Paroxetine.
Drugs in this class (8)
All drug classes · Open the interactive console ↗
