Common SSRI side effects include nausea, fatigue, changes in sleep and appetite, and sexual dysfunction. Serious side effects require medical attention such as a risk of suicidal thoughts, symptoms of mania, and allergic reactions.
One of the most common reasons people want to stop taking a medication is the occurrence of side effects. If selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) side effects persist beyond the first few weeks, a prescriber can help you determine next steps, which may include a change in dosage, timing of dosage, or to a different medication.
If you are considering an SSRI or want to discuss your current medication treatment with a provider, online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health are a good place to start. Their providers offer assessments and prescription consultation, and can answer any questions you have about the side effects of SSRIs.
Boxed Warning - Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor (SSRI) - Risk of Suicidal Thoughts & Behaviors
Medications within the SSRI drug class have a black box warning. These are the most serious type of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). SSRIs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of age, you should talk with your doctor about severe risks with SSRIs before starting treatment.
Key Takeaways
Common SSRI side effects can impact your digestive system, sleep patterns, appetite, and sexual functioning. There is also a risk of serious side effects that require medical attention.
If SSRI side effects persist longer than a few weeks, your provider can help you determine next steps, which may include a change in dosage, timing of dosage, or medication.
There are several ways to cope with the side effects of SSRIs, including self care practices, medication adjustments, and therapy.
If you are considering an SSRI antidepressant or an alternative, a good place to start is with an evaluation from a medical provider. Many online psychiatry platforms offer online assessments and medication management, such as Talkiatry, or Circle Medical.
Common SSRI Side Effects
Individuals taking SSRIs may experience common side effects that impact their digestive system, sleep, appetite, and sexual functioning. Some may require medical attention but many often resolve on their own.
Common side effects of SSRIs may include:*1,2,3,4,5
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Erectile and ejaculation difficulties
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Reduced sex drive
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Tremor
- Anxiety
*All medications, including SSRIs, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
Serious SSRI Side Effects
There is a risk for side effects to be severe or persistent. If these side effects appear, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Serious side effects of SSRIs that require immediate medical attention include:*1,2,3,4,5
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Bruising or unusual bleeding
- Symptoms of mania or hypomania
- Seizures or convulsions
- Allergic reactions
- Muscle rigidity, fever, tremors, and/or seizures (Could be a sign of serotonin syndrome)
*All medications, including SSRIs, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
Common SSRI Side Effects
Individuals taking SSRIs may experience common side effects that impact their digestive system, sleep, appetite, and sexual functioning. Some may require medical attention but many often resolve on their own.
Common side effects of SSRIs may include:*1,2,3,4,5
- Nausea
- Diarrhea
- Upset stomach
- Loss of appetite
- Increased sweating
- Dizziness
- Erectile and ejaculation difficulties
- Difficulty achieving orgasm
- Reduced sex drive
- Fatigue or drowsiness
- Insomnia
- Tremor
- Anxiety
*All medications, including SSRIs, can cause side effects that can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
Serious SSRI Side Effects
There is a risk for side effects to be severe or persistent. If these side effects appear, it is important to seek immediate medical attention.
Serious side effects of SSRIs that require immediate medical attention include:*1,2,3,4,5
- Suicidal thoughts or actions
- Bruising or unusual bleeding
- Symptoms of mania or hypomania
- Seizures or convulsions
- Allergic reactions
- Muscle rigidity, fever, tremors, and/or seizures (Could be a sign of serotonin syndrome)
*All medications, including SSRIs, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
What Are the Risks & Warnings for SSRIs?
Suicidal Ideation & Behaviors
SSRI antidepressants have a black box warning. These are the most serious types of warnings from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). SSRIs can increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children, adolescents, and young adults. Regardless of your age, you should talk with your doctor about serious risks with SSRIs and any other medications before starting treatment.
Triggering Manic Episodes
SSRIs can trigger manic or hypomanic symptoms. Before starting an SSRI, your doctor will confirm if you have or are at risk for bipolar disorder.
Allergic Reactions
While not common, allergic reactions to SSRIs are possible. If you have had an allergic reaction to SSRIs, you should not take medicines with the same active ingredient, paroxetine. You should always report to your nearest emergency room if you have any problems breathing or notice swelling when taking SSRIs.
Severe allergic reactions to SSRIs can include breathing problems, swelling, rash, and hives.
Serotonin Syndrome
A rare life-threatening complication called serotonin syndrome can occur when taking SSRI antidepressants. This condition can develop when the body is overloaded with serotonin from multiple medications or very high doses in a short amount of time. Serotonin syndrome can cause extreme fever, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and coma.
Abnormal Heart Rhythms
SSRI medications can cause a dangerous irregular heartbeat, especially with an overdose. Any fast, slow, skipping, or irregular heartbeat should be addressed as soon as possible.
Hyponatremia (Low Sodium Levels)
A rare but serious side effect, hyponatremia (low sodium levels), has been associated with the use of antidepressants such as SSRIs. Low sodium levels in your blood may be serious and may cause death. Elderly people may be at greater risk for this.
Abnormal Bleeding
Medications that interfere with serotonin activity, such as SSRIs, can increase the risk of abnormal bleeding. Signs of abnormal bleeding can include bruising under the skin, a cut that does not stop bleeding, discolored stool, nose bleedings, or vomiting blood.
Pregnancy Risks
The risks of taking SSRIs during pregnancy is unclear. Speak with your provider about whether SSRI medications are appropriate for your treatment.
Breastfeeding Risks
SSRIs may be present in breast milk. Speak to your provider about the safety of taking SSRIs while breastfeeding.
Angle-closure Glaucoma (Serious Eye Condition)
SSRIs may cause angle-closure glaucoma, which can develop suddenly and lead to vision loss. If you have eye problems or a family history of glaucoma, your doctor may recommend an eye exam before taking SSRI medication.
Antidepressant Discontinuation Syndrome
People discontinuing SSRIs abruptly may have symptoms of SSRI withdrawal, also called antidepressant discontinuation syndrome. Because of this, it is always recommended to taper the dose of medication as instructed by your provider. Do not stop taking your SSRI medication or adjust your dosage on your own.
Here are common symptoms of SSRI withdrawal:
- Dizziness
- Nausea
- Fatigue
- Anxiety
- Shaking
- Sweating
- Agitation
- Sleep problems
- Seizures
- Electric shock sensations
Seek medical care if you experience these symptoms.
Drug Interactions
Taking certain medications, herbs, or supplements alongside SSRIs can change how SSRI works in your body or increase the risk for serious side effects. Do not start, stop, or change the dosage of any medicines without your doctor’s approval.
Substances you should avoid using while taking SSRIs include:
- Additional SSRI or SNRI medications
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs)
- Buspirone
- Alcohol
This is not a comprehensive list of medications that interact with SSRIs. Be sure to talk with your doctor or pharmacist about any prescription or over the counter medications you take, as well as supplements, herbs, and teas.
*This is not a comprehensive list of all warnings and precautions for SSRIs. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential warning and precautions of any medication.
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Long-Term Effects of SSRIs
Side effects from SSRIs may persist for months or years in some people. While this is a risk, SSRIs are generally considered safe to use. You may be able to reduce the occurrence of long-term effects by switching medications or reducing your dose.
Long-term side effects of SSRI use may include:1,2,3,4,5
Sexual problems: Serotonin may affect other hormones and cause sexual dysfunction that may emerge as long-term side effects. For some, sexual dysfunction may continue even after stopping antidepressants, a condition known as post-SSRi sexual dysfunction.6
Feeling emotionally numb: SSRIs may affect levels of dopamine, lowering your response to emotions, which can last months to years. However, certain SSRIs, like escitalopram or fluoxetine, may stimulate dopamine more and may be better choices.
Nausea and vomiting: Nausea may persist for up to 3 months while your body adjusts to the medication. If the nausea is intolerable, ask your doctor about trying another SSRI.
Weight changes: Due to the nature of antidepressants, as you begin to feel better, you may gain or lose a noticeable amount of weight after a few weeks or months.
Cognitive impairment: Cognitive impairment is associated with SSRI use, though the potential causes are unclear. SSRIs may interfere with thought processing for the first 2-4 weeks or for longer.
Important Things to Know About Taking SSRIs
Before starting SSRIs, it’s important to understand what to expect during your first weeks of treatment. Your prescriber will discuss your dosage, how to take your medication, precautions for the medication, potential side effects you may experience, and what to do if side effects become a problem.
How Long Does It Take for SSRIs to Work?
SSRIs can take about 4-8 weeks to become fully effective, but some individuals may start to feel better after the first week or two. Each person may have a different response time based on how their body absorbs and processes the medication.
Can SSRIs Worsen Symptoms at First?
Yes, some people starting an SSRI may experience uncomfortable side effects such as insomnia, anxiety, increased sweating, body aches, and fatigue.1,2,3,4,5 SSRIs can also increase the risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in some people. If you experience worsened symptoms or side effects of any kind, contact your provider immediately.
What Happens If I Miss a Dose?
If you forget to take your SSRI dose, take it as soon as you remember. If your next dose is due soon, skip the missed one and take your next scheduled dose. Never take two doses at once, and continue taking your medication as prescribed unless your prescriber directs you to do otherwise.1,2,3,4,5
Who Experiences Side Effects More?
Some patients may experience side effects from SSRIs more than others. While predicting who will respond poorly is difficult, specific patient populations should be cautious with SSRIs. Patients taking SNRIs or other medications that increase serotonin in the brain should avoid SSRIs due to the risk of serotonin syndrome.
Adolescent patients and their parents should be aware of the risk of increased suicidal ideation when starting an SSRI. It is essential to discuss your health conditions with your physician to select the medication that is the most suitable for you.
Populations who are at an increased risk for experiencing side effects include those who are or have:7
- Susceptible to nausea and vomiting
- Suicidal ideations
- A history of serotonin syndrome
- Bipolar disorder
- Prior allergic reactions to paroxetine
- Prior vision issues such as glaucoma
- A history of seizures
How to Cope With Common SSRI Side Effects
There are ways to cope with the most common SSRI side effects*. Many may go away on their own during the first few weeks. Contact your provider if side effects persist or worsen.
Digestive Symptoms
Taking an SSRI can cause digestive side effects such as nausea, stomach upset, diarrhea, and loss of appetite. To reduce these, follow meal timing recommendations for SSRIs. Also, drink plenty of water, eat smaller, more frequent meals, and avoid spicy foods. You may also try ginger or peppermint teas, but talk with your healthcare provider before taking any prescription or over-the-counter medicine or using supplements such as tea.
Increased Sweating
Many medications, including SSRIs, can cause increased sweating. Wearing loose clothing and using a topical antiperspirant can help. Your provider may also make an adjustment or change of medication if the sweating interferes with your daily life. Be aware that excessive sweating is a symptom of serotonin syndrome. This is a rare but potentially life-threatening complication with antidepressants that requires immediate medical care.1,2,3,4,5
Sleep Changes
Sleep changes such as drowsiness and insomnia may occur when taking SSRIs. Stick to a regular sleep schedule, keep a sleep diary to track patterns, and get daily light exposure. Getting 30 minutes of exercise during the day can help your sleep quality, but avoid intense activity before bed. Your provider may also recommend taking your medication at a certain time of the day or using sleep aids.
Tremors
SSRIs may cause tremors for some who take them. Your provider may adjust or change your medication depending on the severity of the tremor. If the tremor is mild and does not interfere with your daily activity, you may not need any treatment or medication changes. Speak to your provider so they can determine the best course for you.8
Anxiety & Agitation
Some may feel anxiety or agitation when starting an SSRI medication. The exact cause of this side effect is not clear and may fade on their own as your body adjusts to the medication. If your anxiety persists or worsens, contact your provider as agitation is a symptom of serotonin syndrome, a serious condition that requires immediate medical care.1,3,5
Sexual Side Effects
Men taking SSRIs may experience erectile dysfunction, decreased sex drive, and delayed ejaculation. Women may have problems with orgasms and decreased sex drive.1,2,3,4,5 These effects may go away after the first few weeks. Scheduling sexual activity before taking a dose may also reduce the risk or impact of sexual side effects. If these effects are bothersome or persistent, your provider may consider a change of dosage or medication.
*All medications, including SSRIs, can cause side effects which can be mild or serious. This is not a comprehensive list of all possible side effects. You should talk with your doctor about any questions you have and to understand the potential side effects and benefits of any medication.
More Ways to Manage SSRI Side Effects
Here are more ways to cope with and reduce the impact of SSRI side effects.
Practice Good Sleep Hygiene
Following good sleep hygiene practices can help you get better sleep while your body adjusts to the medication. Try to wake up and go to bed about the same time each day, and make sure your sleeping environment is relaxing and comfortable to you. If you experience drowsiness, avoid doing activities that require alertness, such as driving or operating machinery.
Healthy Lifestyle Activities
Eating well, sleeping enough, and getting adequate exercise are all parts of a healthy lifestyle. These activities are important for all aspects of your physical and mental health and can help you endure the impact of side effects.
Follow a Daily Routine
Following your normal routine is important whether or not the medication is working yet. Doing your regular daily activities can keep life more predictable and reduce stress as you adjust to the medication. Also, be sure you are taking your medication as prescribed and at a consistent time each day.
Consider Therapy
Psychotherapy can support you by addressing the impact of side effects and helping you develop strategies to manage them. For in-person treatment, your primary care provider or insurance company can provide a referral, or you may get one from family or friends.
To find an online therapist, an online therapist directory is a great starting point. Many online psychiatry platforms, such as Talkiatry and Brightside Health, also offer therapy services.
Should I Stop Taking My SSRI If I Start Feeling Side Effects?
Do not stop taking your SSRI medication unless you have been advised to do so by your provider. Doing so can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and nausea. For some people who have been taking antidepressants over a long course of time, abruptly stopping SSRIs can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as antidepressant withdrawal.
If you are experiencing side effects from your medication, tell your provider. They will help you determine the best course for continued treatment, which may include changing your dosage, the time for your dosage, or your medication. If your doctor determines discontinuing your medication is the best option, they will provide a plan for stopping your medication gradually, which can minimize your risk of developing withdrawal symptoms.
When Should I Call My Doctor About SSRI Side Effects?
Side effects are one of the most common reasons people choose to stop taking medication. While some effects can be managed and may fade away, some do not go away unless a person stops taking the medication. Side effects can occur even if you are taking your medication correctly.
Contact your provider as soon as possible if side effects persist or become hard to tolerate so you can consider other treatment options. While not common, some people taking SSRIs may experience serious side effects. These effects often require immediate medical care and some may be life-threatening. If you notice any of the serious side effects listed above, seek medical care immediately.
When Should I Seek an Alternative to SSRIs Due to Side Effects?
Initial side effects from SSRIs typically subside after a few weeks. If after some time you are looking to change your medication due to continued side effects, work with a doctor to find an alternative. There are many SSRI alternatives available. All classes of antidepressants can help reduce depression symptoms, though potential risks and benefits can vary.
Serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are usually the first antidepressants considered as SSRI alternatives because of their safety and effectiveness.
Atypical antidepressants work differently to improve symptoms and don’t fit into a formal category.
Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs) are older medications with more side effects. However, they may be helpful for those who need to avoid or can’t tolerate other types of antidepressants.
How to Get a Prescription for SSRIs or Alternative Medications
To get a prescription for SSRI antidepressants or an alternative in person, start with an evaluation for your symptoms. Your primary care provider, who may be a physician, nurse practitioner, or physician assistant, can help you get the process started. They may make a referral to a psychiatrist or specialist to determine if a prescription SSRI alternatives should be included in your treatment plan.
To get an online prescription for an SSRI alternative, you will also start by getting evaluated by an online psychiatric provider. We have thoroughly reviewed platforms like Talkiatry or Circle Medical that prescribe non-controlled substances such as antidepressants and some anti-anxiety medications.
Benzodiazepines are controlled substances that may be used to treat anxiety symptoms. To get prescribed benzodiazepines, you must do your evaluation with an online psychiatry provider that can and will prescribe controlled substances.
We have thoroughly evaluated online providers like Talkiatry that can and will prescribe benzodiazepines and found them each to be a good place to get started with an evaluation. If your provider feels a benzodiazepine is a good fit for your anxiety symptoms, they may offer you a benzodiazepine prescription online.
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Questions to Ask Your Provider
It is important to discuss the potential side effects of SSRIs with your doctor, psychiatrist, or therapist you may experience immediately after starting the treatment. Ask them whether these side effects will go away on their own or if any intervention is needed.
Also, many online psychiatry services are available with convenient access to mental health care for depression and anxiety problems. Individuals may even change prescribers and get a mental health evaluation, diagnosis, and personalized treatment plan.
Questions to ask your care team about the side effects SSRIs may include:
- How long will it take for me to adjust to taking an SSRI?
- How quickly can an SSRI cause side effects?
- What are the first days of SSRI side effects like?
- What is the best dosage to ensure fewer side effects, especially in the first week?
- When should I reach out to you if I am experiencing side effects?
- If I’m not able to tolerate the side effects, are there SSRI alternatives to consider?
- How should I cope with side effects?
- What to do if the side effects do not disappear after the first few weeks?
- Can I skip or lower a dose to avoid the side effects?
- Can I switch the drug if the side effects last longer or get worse?
- What to do if I have serious side effects?
Prescriber’s Tips
Your prescriber will share important information about your SSRI prescription. They will explain how to take and store your medication, what to avoid when taking it, and what to do about side effects. Follow these tips for safe and effective use of SSRIs.
- Take your medication as prescribed, do not change your dose or stop taking it unless your prescriber tells you to. Keeping a consistent dosing schedule reduces the chance of unwanted side effects. When taking antidepressants, this approach can prevent withdrawal symptoms such as dizziness, brain zaps, and flu-like symptoms.1,2,3,4,5
- Take your medication at the same time each day. Doing so can help you remember to take it, making it as effective as possible. Your healthcare provider can help determine the optimal timing based on your sleep patterns and initial medication response.
- Tell your prescriber right away if you or your child have any worsening mental health symptoms. Antidepressants have a boxed warning for increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors in children under age 18 and young adults.
- Ask your doctor whether it is safe to drink alcohol while taking antidepressants such as SSRIs.
- Tell your prescriber about all medications and supplements you take, including over-the-counter treatments. Many over-the-counter medications and supplements can interact with prescription medications. This is because they are processed by the same gut enzymes, cytochrome P450 (CYPs). These interactions can lead to unwanted side effects or reduce the effectiveness of your prescription medication.9
Frequently Asked Questions
What Are SSRIs & What Are They Used to Treat?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a drug class of antidepressant medications. They are FDA-approved to treat many mental health conditions including major depression, OCD, generalized anxiety disorder in adults and children. SSRIs areFDA-approved to treat panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, PTSD, premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD), and bulimia nervosa in adults only.1,2,3,4,5
What Do SSRIs Do?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain. Serotonin is a body chemical involved in mood regulation.1,2,3,4,5
How Do SSRIs Make You Feel During the First Week?
During the first week of taking an SSRI, the medication is building up in your body. This may trigger side effects for some people. It takes several weeks for SSRIs to start working and you may not notice any difference in your symptoms yet.
Which Antidepressants Cause the Fewest Side Effects?
SSRIs and serotonin norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are antidepressants that cause the fewest side effects. These are newer classes of antidepressants and are often preferred for their milder side effects.
Which Antidepressants Cause the Most Side Effects?
Monamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), tetracyclic, and tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) cause the most side effects. These are older classes of medication and are not first-line treatments for depression because they have more side effects than newer antidepressants.
Should I Stop Taking My SSRI Medication If I Experience Side Effects?
Do not stop taking your SSRI medication unless you have been advised to do so by your provider. Doing so can lead to antidepressant discontinuation syndrome, also known as antidepressant withdrawal. This can cause uncomfortable symptoms, including dizziness, fatigue, irritability, and nausea.
ChoosingTherapy.com strives to provide our readers with mental health content that is accurate and actionable. We have high standards for what can be cited within our articles. Acceptable sources include government agencies, universities and colleges, scholarly journals, industry and professional associations, and other high-integrity sources of mental health journalism. Learn more by reviewing our full editorial policy.
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Celexa- citalopram tablet, film coated. (November 13, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Lexapro – escitalopram tablet, film coated, Lexapro – escitalopram solution. (October 1, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Prozac- fluoxetine hydrochloride capsule. (November 13, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Paxil- paroxetine hydrochloride capsule. (September 10, 2024). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Zoloft- sertraline hydrochloride tablet, film coated. (August 8, 2023). DailyMed.nlm.nih.gov. Retrieved from https://dailymed.nlm.nih.gov/dailymed/drugInfo.cfm
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Healy, D. (2020). Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction & other enduring sexual dysfunctions. Epidemiology and Psychiatric Sciences, 29, e55. Retrieved from https://www.cambridge.org/core/journals/epidemiology-and-psychiatric-sciences/article/postssri-sexual-dysfunction-other-enduring-sexual-dysfunctions
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Santarsieri, D., & Schwartz, T. (2015). Antidepressant efficacy and side-effect burden: a quick guide for clinicians. Drugs in Context, 4, 1–12. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.7573/dic.212290
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Drug-induced tremors. (2024). MedlinePlus.gov. Retrieved from https://medlineplus.gov/ency/article/000765.htm
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Marken, P. A., & Munro, J. S. (2000). Selecting a Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor: Clinically Important Distinguishing Features. Primary Care Companion to the Journal of Clinical Psychiatry. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC181142/
We regularly update the articles on ChoosingTherapy.com to ensure we continue to reflect scientific consensus on the topics we cover, to incorporate new research into our articles, and to better answer our audience’s questions. When our content undergoes a significant revision, we summarize the changes that were made and the date on which they occurred. We also record the authors and medical reviewers who contributed to previous versions of the article. Read more about our editorial policies here.
Author: No Change
Reviewer: No Change
Primary updates: Added “Key Takeaways” feature. Edited for clarity. Condensed “What Are SSRIs?” and moved to FAQs. Removed “Rare Side Effects”, and “Side Effects of SSRIs” introductory paragraph. Revised and moved “Allergic Reactions” to “Warnings & Risks”. Replaced “Substances and Medications That Can Have Adverse Interactions with SSRIs” and “Withdrawal Symptoms From SSRIs” sections with new “Warnings & Risks” feature. Revised “Who Experiences Side Effects More?” Added new “Important Things to Know About Taking SSRIs” section. Condensed “SSRI Side Effects in Women” section and moved info to “Warnings & Risks” feature. Removed “SSRI Side Effects in Men”, moved to “Sexual Side Effects” section. Added new sections/features “How to Cope With Common SSRI Side Effects”, “More Ways to Manage SSRI Side Effects”, “Should I Stop Taking My SSRI If I Start Feeling Side Effects?”, “When Should I Seek an Alternative to SSRIs Due to Side Effects?”, “How to Get a Prescription for SSRIs or Alternative Medications” and all included subsections. Retitled “Questions to Ask Your Health Team” to “Questions to Ask Your Provider”. Replaced “Final Thoughts” with “Prescriber’s Tips” feature. Removed “For Further Reading”, Added FAQs.
Author: Christin Black, PharmD
Medical Reviewer: Dena Westphalen, PharmD
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