Prognosis & Key Information
Prognosis
Variable, dependent on treatment adherence/response
Key Information
• Monitor closely the first few weeks of treatment (risk of symptom worsening)
• SSRIs are not addictive but have withdrawal effects if stopped abruptly
• If wanting to stop, you can do so but not abruptly (go down to 50% – 25% – 0%)
• Certain drugs/circumstances require longer withdrawal time due to a higher risk of withdrawal effects (paroxetine & venlafaxine, has significant trouble in the past coming off medication or taking medication for a long time).
• Bleeding risk with SSRIs/SNRIs, especially with NSAIDs/antiplatelets/anticoagulants
• Mirtazapine: lowest bleeding risk
• Risk of serotonin syndrome with SSRI/SNRI combinations