Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

The name of my SSRI is ____________________________________________.

Guidelines for use

• Follow the fact sheet that came with your medicine. It tells you when and how to take your medicine. Ask for a sheet if you didn’t get one.

• Before starting your medicine, tell your doctor if you have:

  • Manic depression or bipolar disorder.

  • Kidney disease.

  • Thyroid disease.

  • Diabetes.

  • Liver disease.

  • Seizure disorders.

  • Past or current problems with drug abuse or dependence.

• Tell your doctor about any other medicines you are taking. This includes over-the-counter or herbal medicines.

• Take your medicine exactly as directed. This medicine takes several weeks to work. Because of this, it's important to take this medicine every day. Do this even if you think that it's not helping your symptoms. You may need to take this medicine for a few months. Or you may need to take it for the rest of your life. It depends on your symptoms.

• If you miss a dose, take it as soon as you remember, unless it’s almost time for your next dose. In that case, skip the dose you missed. Don’t take a double dose.

• Take your medicine with food.

• Limit how much alcohol you drink while taking this medicine. Or if possible, don’t have any alcohol at all while taking it.

• Don’t take an SSRI if you are currently taking a monoamine oxidase inhibitor (MAO inhibitor).

• Don’t increase or decrease your dose or stop taking your medicine without talking with your doctor. If you want to stop taking your SSRI, your doctor will need to help you reduce the medicine slowly.

• Before using new over-the-counter medicines, check with the pharmacist to be sure it will not interact with the SSRI.

• Don’t share your medicine or use another person's medicine, even if it's the same medicine and dose. Check with your doctor if you have trouble affording your prescription.

Possible side effects

Tell your doctor if you have any of these side effects. Don’t change your dose or stop taking the medicine until your doctor tells you to. Mild side effects include:

• Anxiety.

• Trouble sleeping.

• Nausea.

• Diarrhea.

• Headaches.

• Loss of sex drive or problems with having orgasms.

• Sweating.

• Significant weight change.

When to contact your doctor

Contact your doctor right away if you have:

• Unusual joint or muscle pain.

• Trouble breathing.

• Shaking chills.

• Feelings of too much excitement.

• Trouble controlling your emotions or actions.

• Skin rash (hives).

• Tremors.

• Increased heart rate.

If you are in a crisis or have thoughts of suicide or self-harm, call or text 988 right away. You will be connected to a trained counselor you can talk to. There's also an online chat option. You can also call Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (800-273-8255). The 988 Lifeline is free and available 24/7.