Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
| Selective serotonin re-uptake inhibitors (SSRIs) | Preparations | Comments |
| Citalopram hydrobromide (Tabs) | 10mg, 20mg, 40mg tablets | SSRI with lowest propensity for drug interactions. Suitable choice in renal impairment. Citalopram and escitalopram: QT interval prolongation—new maximum daily dose restrictions (including in elderly patients), contraindications, and warnings : MHRA Dec 11 Be aware of bioequivalence to drops. See Citalopram tablets to drops conversion |
| Citalopram hydrochloride (Drops) | 40mg/ml oral drops | |
| Escitalopram | 5mg, 10mg and 20mg tablets 20mg/ml oral drops |
Not approved. Named patient request ONLY |
| Fluoxetine hydrochloride | 20mg, 30mg capsules 20mg/5ml oral liquid |
60mg capsules NOT approved. For 60mg dose prescribe 3 x 20mg capsules or 2 x 30mg capsules – this is more cost-effective than 1x 60mg capsule. |
| Fluvoxamine maleate† | 50mg tablets | Less cost-effective choice than other SSRIs. Use only when other SSRIs are not suitable. |
| Paroxetine† hydrochloride | 20mg and 30mg tablets 10mg/5ml oral suspension |
Less preferred choice. SSRI with greatest risk of withdrawal reactions. |
| Sertraline hydrochloride | 50mg and 100mg tablets | Suitable choice for those with cardiovascular disease (recent MI or unstable angina) or renal impairment. |
† - denotes a less preferred choice of medicine.
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