Types

• Within the past several years, researchers have concluded that depression is caused by a chemical imbalance in the brain. Because of this, medications have been designed to relieve those with depression of the symptoms. This class of medication is known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRI. There are several different SSRI medications available, including Citalopram, Paroxetine, Escitalopram, Fluvoxamine, and Fluoxetine. Each of these medications alters the release of serotonin, a chemical found within your brain. This chemical mainly effects your mood, and if unbalanced, can cause depression. The medication works to regulate serotonin so that you may experience normal moods, rather than a constant feeling of depression.
  
  

Citalopram

• Citalopram, more commonly known as Celexa, is an antidepressant that treats general depression. Celexa has a large series of reported side effects, ranging from minor to major. The following are the side effects associated with this medication:
  
  1. Nausea and vomiting
  2. Insomnia
  3. Sweating
  4. Tremors
  5. Diarrhea
  6. Problems ejaculating
  7. Tiredness
  8. Dry mouth
  9. Upper respiratory infections
  10. Anxiety
  11. Decrease in appetite
  12. Erectile dysfunction
  13. Stomach pain
  14. Fever
  15. Heartburn
  16. Indigestion
  17. Sinus infection
  18. Muscle pain
  19. Sex drive decrease
  20. Suicidal behavior
  21. Restlessness
  22. Irritability
  23. Chest palpitations
  24. Serotonin syndrome
  25. Hypertension
  26. Hypothyroidism
  27. Diabetes
  28. Heart failure
  29. Asthma
  30. Atrial fibrillation
  31. Kidney stones
  
  

Paroxetine

• Paroxetine, or Paxil, is a medication used to treat severe depression, obsessive compulsive disorder, and anxiety disorders. The side effects include:
  
  1. Anxiety
  2. Decreased sex drive
  3. Change in appetite
  4. Burning sensations
  5. Changes in weight
  6. Irregular heartbeat
  7. Muscle pain
  8. Rash
  9. Difficulty speaking
  10. Decrease in muscle movement
  11. Difficult eye movement
  12. Shivering
  13. Lack of energy
  14. Serotonin syndrome
  15. Excessive sweating
  16. Suicidal behavior
  
  

Escitalopram

• Escitalopram, also known as Lexapro, is used to treat general anxiety and depression. Some of the side effects reported from this medication are:
  
  1. Restlessness
  2. Sexual difficulties
  3. Shaking
  4. Changes in weight
  5. Suicidal behavior
  6. Tiredness
  7. Anxiety
  8. Dizziness
  9. Irritability
  10. Serotonin disorder
  11. Headaches
  12. Indigestion
  13. Blurred vision
  14. Indigestion
  15. Nausea
  
  

Fluvoxamine

• Fluvoxamie, also known as Luvox CR, is used to treat several mental disorders such as obsessive compulsive disorder and depression. Some of the reported side effects are:
  
  1. Constipation
  2. Dry mouth
  3. Dizziness
  4. Diarrhea
  5. Nervousness
  6. Weakness
  7. Stuffy nose
  8. Insomnia
  9. Strange behavior
  10. Blood in stool
  11. Fainting
  12. Irregular heartbeat
  13. Hallucinations
  14. Seizures
  15. Painful erections
  16. Mood swings
  17. Vision changes
  18. Trouble breathing
  
  

Fluoxetine

• Fluoxetine is commonly known as Prozac. It is used to treat severe depression and other related mental disorders. The following side effects have been reported while taking this medication:
  
  1. Suicidal behavior
  2. Anxiety
  3. Mood swings
  4. Confusion
  5. Irregular heartbeat
  6. Seizures
  7. Coma
  8. Fever
  9. Hallucinations
  10. Nausea
  11. Vomiting
  12. Changes in blood pressure
  13. Insomnia
  14. Allergic reaction
  15. Restlessness
  
  

Warning

• All antidepressant medications have a chance of causing suicidal tendencies in adolescents under the age of 18. If your child is depressed, you should consult your doctors on the options available to you.