Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs

Serotonin Selective Reuptake Inhibitors, or SSRIs:

• Citalopram (Celexa)
  • Initial dose: 20mg/day.
  • Maintenance dose: 20 to 40mg/day.

Celexa

• Escitalopram (Lexapro)
  • Initial dose: 10mg/day.
  • Maintenance dose: 10-20mg/day.

Lexapro

• Fluoxetine (Prozac)
  • Initial dose: 20mg/day.
  • Maintenance dose: 20-60mg/day.

Prozac

• Paroxetine (Paxil, Pexeva, Sarafem)
  • Initial dose: 20mg/day, titrated slowly by 10mg a week.
  • Maintenance dose: 20-50mg/day, as tolerated/needed.

Paxil 20mg

• Sertraline (Zoloft)
  • Initial dose:
  • Maintenance dose:

Zoloft

Common Side Effects:

• Nausea
• Nervousness, agitation or restlessness
• Dizziness
• Reduced sexual desire or difficulty reaching orgasm or inability to maintain an erection (erectile dysfunction)
• Drowsiness
• Insomnia
• Weight gain or loss
• Headache
• Dry mouth
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea

IMPORTANT: Pharmaceutical companies HAVE to list every side effect reported during clinical trails. So, just because a medication lists a certain side effect DOES NOT MEAN YOU will have it. In fact, most people experience very few side effects and with continued use (2 weeks and beyond), most of the initial side effects dissipate, or resolve completely. Additionally, the dosages listed above are FDA approved for treating Depression in an otherwise healthy Adult. For more specific information in treating your symptoms, consult your doctor. 

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