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Prozac (fluoxetine)
Fluoxetine, commonly famous as Prozac, is an antidepressant that falls under the category of “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.” It is used for the treatment of the obsessive-compulsive disorder, bulimia, anxiety, and depression. There are many shreds of evidence that are proof that Prozac can help people recovering from the effects of depression and other mental disorders.
Keep in mind that Prozac is available on prescription only and is available in the form of capsules and tablets.
Fluoxetine usually takes up to 6 weeks to show significant results. It is also coming with various side effects such as nausea, trouble sleeping, and headaches. However, these effects are mild, and they usually vanish after a week.
It is important to note that Prozac is only suitable for adults, and it must be taken after consultation with the doctor. The recommended dosage of Prozac is once a day. The good thing about this antidepressant is that it doesn’t have any adverse effect on your stomach even when you consume it without food. Another exciting thing about this medicine is that you can take it any time of the day. However, it is essential that you stick to the same routine and at the same time and follow a complete cycle. If you find yourself having insomnia or trouble sleeping, then you should take this medicine in the morning. In any case, if you forget to take any dose, then take it the next day at the same time. Make sure that you don’t take more than one dose at the same time.
Zoloft (sertraline)
Another popular and highly effective antidepressant is sertraline, commonly known as Zoloft. It is used for the treatment of panic attacks, severe depression, obsessive-compulsive disorder, social anxiety disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder.
This antidepressant promotes sound sleep, improves your mood and appetite, raises your energy levels, and may also help you in restoring your interest in your life and other regular activities. Moreover, Zoloft may also decrease your anxiety and fear. It also saves you from panic attacks.
Zoloft falls under the category of “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor” that works by restoring the balance of serotonin in your brain.
It is essential to take this medication by consulting with a doctor first. The recommended dosage of this medicine is 4 ounces. However, the dosage may also vary with your medical condition, as well as your response to this medicine. Also, keep in mind that if the drug is stopped immediately, then you may experience severe symptoms such as headache, sleep changes, fatigue, and mood swings.
This medicine may also result in another condition that affects your heart. It is known as heart rhythm that may be fatal in severe cases.
Lexapro (escitalopram)
Lexapro is an oral drug that is good for the treatment of depression and anxiety disorder. It also comes in the class of “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor.” This medication is also suitable for the treatment of obsessive-compulsive order. Generally, the antidepressants that come in this category have fewer side effects as compared to other similar medications such as monoamine oxidase inhibitors. The FDA also approves medicine for the treatment of anxiety and depression.
It is a prescription drug that is available in the form of an oral liquid solution. This medication balances the levels of serotonin in your brain that, in turn, vanishes the signs and symptoms of depression and anxiety.
The recommended dosage of this medication is 5mg to 15mg, depending on your condition. However, you should consult your doctor regarding your health and dosage of this medication to save yourself from any hidden risks.
Paxil (paroxetine)
Paxil is also a great antidepressant that falls under SSRI. The doctor prescribes this medicine for the treatment of depression and other major mental disorders. The active ingredient in this drug is Paxil that increases the levels of serotonin in your brain. Any disturbance in the levels of serotonin may result in:
- Sleep disturbance
- Mood changes
- Fatigue
- Feelings of regret and guilt
- Difficulty with focus and concentration
- Depression
- Changes in weight and appetite
- Dysfunction of motor nerve
- A decrease in interest and pleasure
- Sleep disturbance
- Suicidal thoughts
Although doctors usually prescribe this medication for the treatment of the above disorders, it is also useful for treating:
- Post-traumatic stress disorder
- Panic disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Social phobia
- Panic attacks
Keep in mind this drug is only suitable for individuals over the age of 18 years.
This drug is available in three different forms: tablet, oral suspension, and controlled release tablet. Moreover, it may take anywhere between 4 to 6 weeks to see any results from this medication.
Celexa (citalopram)
Another drug that is popular for the treatment of depression in adults is known with the brand-name “Celexa.” It is excellent for the treatment of severe mood swings, anxiety, and fear. The active compound that is present in Celexa is “citalopram.” Citalopram is an antidepressant that also falls under the class of SSRIs. It is available in the form of a tablet that you can take orally. It also comes in the form of an oral liquid solution. Keep in mind that this drug is not approved for children.
According to clinical studies, Celexa may take anywhere from 5 to 6 weeks to show any signs of depression. The ideal dosage of this medication is 20 mg to 25 mg per day, depending upon your condition. Your doctor can advise you the best on dosage. The maximum dosage for this drug is 40 mg. Higher doses may lead to serious heart-related side effects, including a condition known as heart rhythm.
Viibryd (vilazodone)
The antidepressant, Viibryd, belongs to a group of medication known as “selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.” It is used for the treatment of major mental disorders. Just like other medications that fall under the class of SSRI, this medication also targets the signs of depression and anxiety.
You need to careful taking this medication and consult with a doctor if you have any of the following condition:
- Kidney or liver disease
- Seizures
- Epilepsy
- If you are an alcohol consumer
- If you have any blood clotting or bleeding disorder
- If you have a history of suicidal thoughts or drug abuse
- If you have low sodium in your blood
The recommended dosage of this drug is 10 mg orally for a period of one week and then increasing the dosage to 20 mg for another week. The maximum dosage goes as high as 40 mg. Crossing this limit may result in adverse side effects.
Side effects of SSRI’s
The most common side effects that you can experience with this medicine are:
- Dry mouth
- Loss of appetite
- Dizziness
- Drowsiness
- Sweating
- Upset stomach
- Trouble sleeping
- Nausea and vomiting
- Tremors
- Feeling sleepy
- Increased heart rate
- Lungs problems
- Intense agitation
- Seizures
- Blurred vision
- Frequent urination
- Sexual complications
- Indigestion
- Taste alterations
- Intense changes in weight
- Painful menstrual periods
- Respiratory infection
- Muscle and joint pain
- Lack of energy
Antidepressants also increase the risk of suicidality and may even improve depression and psychiatric disorders.