How to Compare SSRI Antidepressants

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There are a number of pharmacological SSRI drug treatments available on the market today for the treatment of depression; this can make it challenging to compare SSRI antidepressants due to the sheer number. The symptoms of depression, as well as reactions to the different medications vary greatly from person to person. Having a good background knowledge of your options and likely reactions is a good place to start.

A Brief History of Treatment

In 1987, the first drug in the SSRI class was approved by the FDA and entered the United States Market; Eli Lilly and Company's Prozac. For a number of years Prozac was the treatment for depression, until other pharmaceutical companies figured out similar ways to address the condition.

A number of the major players in the pharmaceutical industry have followed suit, and subsequent years have seen Zoloft (Pfizer) in 1991, Paxil (GlaxoSmithKline) in 1992, Luvox (currently discontinued) in 1994, Celexa (Forest Pharmaceuticals) in 1998, and Lexapro (Forest Pharmaceuticals) in 2002. Each new medication has seen slight variations in effectiveness for conditions relating to depression, and on the degree and variance in side effects.

The SSRIs are all officially licensed for use in depressive disorders, but differ in indications for other disorders. Following is a simple breakdown of various disorders addressed by the medications. Just keep in mind that you will need to work closely with your physician to determine the best option for your needs, and to monitor its effects.

Products and Treatment

• Celexa is one medicine prescribed for the treatment of depression.
• Lexapro is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and generalized anxiety disorder.
• Paxil is used for the treatment of major depressive disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, panic disorder, social anxiety disorder, generalized anxiety disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder.
• Prozac is indicated for major depressive disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder, moderate to severe bulimia nervosa and panic disorder.
• Zoloft is indicated for the treatment of major depressive disorder and obsessive-compulsive disorder. Also patients experiencing social anxiety or panic disorder have been treated with it. There are other uses as your doctor can explain.

Clinical trials comparing one SSRI with another indicate the drugs in this class perform at similar levels. Response rates all come in at approximately 60%; yet a closer look must be given as some differences in the SSRIs efficacy exist.

The process of comparing one product to another can look something like a complicated matrix. Each form of treatment has its long-suit capabilities in certain areas, as well as shortcomings in others. No one product is the comprehensive and decided drug of choice for the various disorders associated with depression. The decision is based on many factors; and it may take several weeks or months of treatment to find the right one for you.

Known Side Effects

In addition, each form of treatment brings its own set of side effects, and these must be weighed in the equation of comparing SSRIs. As a group, the antidepressants listed above are known to produce the following side effects: nausea, sexual dysfunction, diarrhea, headache, nervousness, agitation, sweating, dry mouth, tachycardia, loss of appetite (though sometimes, increased appetite), anxiety, insomnia and drowsiness. Don't let these overwhelm you. Close communication with your medical professional is the key to managing or eliminating these symptoms.

What's fascinating in all of this is that even with all of the science behind the chemical makeup of each drug and the known side effects, we still can not fully predict the overall effectiveness of a medication because each individual patient is so different. The effectiveness of an SSRI medication, and the degree or intensity of the side effects, will vary from one person to the next.