Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are relatively safe medications compared to historically previous medications like Tricyclic Antidepressants (TCAs) and Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), based on the lack of side effects like constipation, xerostomia, urinary retention, and sedation. This is the reason why SSRIs are the first-line treatment for depression. Although SSRIs do have some side effects, sometimes life-threatening like the black-box warning that they carry about suicidal thoughts in children and young adults. Here are some catchy mnemonics on SSRIs.
SSRIs include: remember “Effective For Sadness, Panic,
Compulsion”
Effective-Escitalopram
For-Fluvoxamine, Fluoxetine
Sadness-Sertraline
Panic-Paroxetine
Compulsion-Citalopram
Side effects of SSRIs include: remember "SSSS"
Stomach upset
Sexual dysfunction
Serotonin syndrome
Suicidal thoughts
Symptoms of depression: remember “A SAD FACES”
Appetite changing
Sleep (insomnia)
Anhedonia
Dysphoria
Fatigue
Agitation
Concentration diminished
Esteem low/guilt
Suicidal thoughts
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