Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

Drug Class:	Commonly Known As:	Category:
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)	lexapro, prozac, seroxat, zoloft, faverin	Children, Adult

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) - Side Effects, Precautions, and Contraindications

What side effects can Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) cause?

All medicines may cause side effects. However, many people do not experience them.

Most of the side effects listed here will improve with time. Speak with your doctor or pharmacist if they persist, become bothersome or worsen.

Side effects	What to do about it
Poor appetite, nausea, vomiting	Take this medicine after meals. Eat small but frequent meals to minimize bloating after a meal. Avoid food that is too rich, spicy or has strong smells.
Diarrhoea	Make sure you remain well hydrated by drinking plenty of water
Constipation	Increase your intake of fluids and include more fibre (vegetables and fruits) in your diet. Incorporate some exercise in your daily routine. Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you require any laxatives.
Dry mouth	Sip water regularly. Suck on sugar-free sweets. Avoid caffeine as it may worsen dry mouth. Sucking on ice chips may help alleviate this symptom.
Headache	Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you need any painkillers
Drowsiness	Do not drive or operate any machinery. See how this medicine affects you first. Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medicine at a different time of the day.
Dizziness	Get up slowly from a lying or sitting position
Difficulty sleeping	Avoid daytime naps. Limit caffeine intake. Keep a regular sleeping schedule. Instead of looking at electronic screens before bedtime, choose other relaxing activities such as reading a book or listening to calm music. Discuss with your doctor if you can take your medicine at a different time of the day.
Nervousness and anxiousness	Usually occurs at the beginning of treatment and subsides with time. Avoid caffeine intake, and try to maintain a regular and healthy diet and sleeping schedule. Consult your doctor if symptoms do not subside or worsen.
Reduced sexual drive or ability	Consult your doctor if it becomes bothersome

Serious side effects

Seek medical help as soon as possible if you have any of the following signs or symptoms.

Develop new or worsening thoughts of self-harm or low mood including nervousness and restlessness.

Allergy such as rashes, swelling of lips/face/throat, difficulty breathing
Develop any unusual palpitations or heart rate.
A condition known as Serotonin Syndrome may occur rarely. This may cause symptoms which include but are not limited to agitation, confusion, hallucinations, fever, abnormal heartbeat, flushing, shivering and sweating.

Consult your doctor if you need further information regarding this.

Take note that the side effects listed here are not exhaustive. Do seek medical attention if you have other symptoms that you think may be related to this medicine.

Before taking Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) , what precautions must I follow?

Tell your doctor before starting this medicine if you have:

Drug allergies.
Pre-existing medical conditions such as fits (seizures), bipolar disorders or mania (unusually high or excited mood, being much more active or having more energy than usual), and low sodium levels.
Whether you are taking any other medicines, supplements or traditional medicines, some of them may affect how this medication works. Inform your doctor if you have taken or intend to take any such medicines.
If you have taken any other antidepressants in the last 2 weeks.
For women: tell your doctor if you are pregnant or breast-feeding or have plans to become pregnant. If you are pregnant and/or breastfeeding, your doctor would have discussed the potential benefits and side-effects of continueing the drug with you but should you have further questions or concerns, do consult your doctor.

What food or medicine must I avoid when I take Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) ?

Check with your doctor or pharmacist if you want to take or give any other medicines, supplements or herbal products.

If you or your child (patient) sees another doctor, inform him that this medication is currently prescribed before he prescribes any other medications.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI) - Additional Information

What are the things I need to know or look out for while on this medication?

Avoid driving or any other activities that requires concentration until you see how this drug affects you
Inform your other healthcare providers that you are taking this medicine as well.
Do not share your medicines with others
Consult your doctor or pharmacist if you have any questions about your medication