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| Antidepressants |
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Selective Serotonin Re-Uptake
Inhibitors (SSRIs)
There are a number of SSRIs available in Australia.
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Chemical and brandnames
include fluoxetine (Prozac, Lovan, Zactin,
Erocap, Fluohexal, SBPA Fluoxetine, DBL Fluoxetine,
Auscap 20 mg Capsules), paroxetine (Aropax),
sertraline (Zoloft), fluvoxamine (Luvox, Faverin),
citalopram (Cipramil) and nefazodone (Serzone,
a drug that is classified as a 5-HT2 blocker
but has a similar effect on neurotransmitters).
All these drugs are relatively new and have
a specific action in increasing levels of
serotonin. They are effective in treating
depression and have often have fewer side-effects
than the older tricyclic antidepressants.
Both sertraline and paroxetine are beneficial
for people with panic disorder and obsessive
compulsive disorder. |
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Side-effects can include
insomnia, agitation, nausea, weight loss and
sexual problems. Some problems have been reported
with rash and allergic reactions; the drugs
must be discontinued if these occur.
It is vital not to use MAOI and SSRI antidepressants
together. If there is a need to change from
a MAOI to SSRI, there must be a gap of some
weeks between them to allow the MAOI to be
removed from the body before the SSRI can
be commenced. When the time has come to stop
medication, the drug should be withdrawn slowly
under a doctor's supervision. |
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