medication / antidepressants / SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
Directions
Mental health problems
Depression
Prevention of recurrent depressive episodes
Anorexia, bulimia
Alcoholism, drug addiction
Obsessive compulsive disorders, phobias, post-traumatic stress disorder
Generalized anxiety, panic disorder
Aggressive behaviors
Depressive states related to menstruation
Physical health issues
Migraines, chronic pain
premature ejaculation
Chronic fatigue syndrome
Contraindications
Physical health issues
Allergy or bad reaction to SSRIs
Concomitant intake1 of St. John's wort
Diseases related to the liver, kidneys and heart
Weight below normal
Mental health problems
Concomitant intake of pimozide (Orap)
manic episode
Seniors
Risk of drug interactions
Pregnancy and breast feeding
Taken during the first trimester, increased risks congenital malformations, particularly of a cardiovascular nature
Not recommended during breastfeeding
Drugs interactions
Mental health problems
Methylphenidate (Ritalin), antihistamines, chloral hydrate and cimetidine (Tagamet) increase the effect of SSRIs
Never combine with an MAOI antidepressant and at least 14 days apart from taking an SSRI or an SSRI Na and an MAOI
Carbamazepine (Tegretol) and barbiturates reduce the effect of SSRIs
Paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac) can reduce the effect of tamoxifen (hormone therapy to treat breast cancer)
Paroxetine (Paxil) and fluoxetine (Prozac) increase the effects of some antipsychotics and all tricyclic antidepressants
physical health problem
Ritonavir and fosamprenavir (antiretroviral drugs that work preventing the multiplication of HIV) may reduce the effect of paroxetine (Paxil)
Other
Alcohol not recommended
Side effects
They depend on the dosage and duration of treatment, the metabolism of the individual and the context in which he lives.
Head
Nausea and headaches
Hustle
Dizziness
Dry mouth
Seizures
Sleep
Drowsiness
Unusual dreams, nightmares
Insomnia
Members
Tremors
Sexuality
Sexual disorders in men
Abdomen
Vomiting, abdominal pain
Constipation, diarrhea
Digestion problems
Weight
Weight gain or loss
Blood
Raised cholesterol level
Abnormal bleeding
Psychological
Possible behavior modification, suicidal ideation and self-harm
Mania and hypomania (rare)
Irritability, anxiety, nervousness
Others
Fatigue
Discontinuation symptoms if treatment stopped abruptly (e.g. dizziness, sleep disturbances, agitation, anxiety, sensory disturbances)
Withdrawal symptoms
Psychotropic drugs act in the brain just as they do in the rest of the body; and as we have seen, each person reacts differently. It's the same with weaning; the person's metabolism, the type of drug, the dose as well as the duration of the intake and its half-life, explain that the withdrawal effects are varied. We have listed the potential and main withdrawal symptoms of each class of psychotropic drugs. This list is incomplete, as not all withdrawal effects are listed; moreover, knowledge is rapidly evolving in this field. A person may have no withdrawal symptoms or experience one, a few, or even many. The medication reduction journey is specific to each person, just as each process is unique. For example, a person can take the same medicine twice at the same dose and the effects will be different. Gradual reduction, like removing 10 % of dose per week/month, reduces the frequency or intensity of withdrawal symptoms and the incidence of rapid relapses. It is very important to undertake this process with the collaboration of your doctor. The pharmacist also plays a key role and can provide guidance to monitor withdrawal effects for each medication. Most people who will have withdrawal symptoms will tolerate them without problems for the short duration of these symptoms.
Common and frequent withdrawal symptoms for all classes: anxiety, nervousness, restlessness, sleep problems, greater need to rest, sleep, irritability, fatigue.
Withdrawal symptoms for SSRI antidepressants:
Withdrawal symptoms usually appear one to seven days after a discontinuation or a significant reduction in dose. About 55% of people feel as if they are going through a period of excitement or depression which is accompanied by raw emotions, anxiety, disturbing dreams and lethargy (numbness of being) temporary. These effects disappear within a few days.
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors or SSRIs (Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Paxil and Celexa), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or SNRIs (Effexor, Cymbalta and Pristiq) and bupropion share these symptoms of weaning.
Main psychological withdrawal symptoms:
Anxiety
Irritability
Hustle
Insomnia
Nightmares or dreams of intense realism (vivid)
Very rarely:
Suicidal tendencies or tendencies to want to harm themselves which can appear suddenly at the time of increases or reductions. These symptoms are often preceded by a period of severe agitation (akathisia).
Mania or hypomania
Main physical withdrawal symptoms:
(= flu-like effects)
Headaches (headaches)
sweating
Fatigue
General malaise
Muscle aches
Diarrhea
Dizziness, vertigo
Tremors
Numbness or tingling of the extremities
Electric shock sensations in the limbs
Blurry vision
Very rarely:
Concentration or memory problems
Movement disorders
Effexor and Paxil have shorter durations of action than other antidepressants. They can give withdrawal reactions that are more difficult to control from day one. It is therefore even more important to gradually reduce the dose.