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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRI)

  • About this learning module
  • 1. Introduction
  • 2. Class members and licensed uses
  • 3. Prescribing points
  • 4. Principal risks
  • 4.1. Gastrointestinal adverse effects
  • 4.2. Central nervous system adverse effects
  • 4.3. Psychiatric adverse effects
  • 4.4. Sexual dysfunction
  • 4.5. Other common adverse effects
  • 4.6. Withdrawal (discontinuation) effects
  • 4.7. Serotonin syndrome
  • 4.8. Hypomania/mania or psychosis
  • 4.9. Suicide risk and severe agitation
  • 4.10. Hyponatraemia
  • 4.11 Haemorrhage, particularly gastrointestinal
  • 4.12 Convulsions
  • 4.13 Bone fractures
  • 4.14 Antimuscarinic (anticholinergic) effects
  • 4.15 Cardiac rhythm disorders—QT interval prolongation
  • 4.16 Important drug interactions
  • 4.17 Pregnancy and breast-feeding
  • 4.18 Overdose
  • 5. Key points
  • 6 Self-assessment
  • 7 Case study
  • 8. Further information
  • 9. Glossary of terms

4.5. Other common adverse effects

Man with muscle pain Very common and common adverse effects

Sweating may occur and in some patients can be profuse. Some patients may experience numbness or tingling (paraesthesia), pain in joints (arthralgia) or muscles (myalgia) or muscle cramps.

Risk-reduction measures

Profuse sweating may indicate that the dose of SSRI is excessive. If symptoms do not improve, switching to another SSRI may resolve the adverse effects.


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