Table 35.3—Selective Serotonin-Reuptake Inhibitors for Older Adults
|
Generic (Trade) Name |
Initial Dosage |
Final Dosage |
Sedative Potential |
Precautions |
Advantages |
|
Citalopram (Celexa) |
10 mg am |
20–40 mg am |
Low |
Side effects include nausea, tremor, dizziness, sweating, agitation |
Few drug interactions, well tolerated |
|
Escitalopram (Lexapro) |
10 mg am |
10–20 mg am |
Low |
Nausea, tremor, dizziness, sweating, agitation |
May have fewer side effects than citalopram, well tolerated |
|
Fluoxetine (Prozac) |
10 mg am
|
20–40 mg am |
Low |
Nausea, tremor, dizziness, sweating, agitation, prolonged half-life, insomnia, drug interactions |
Liquid preparation available |
|
Paroxetine (Paxil) |
10 mg hs |
20–40 mg hs |
Low |
Nausea, tremor, dizziness, sweating, agitation, drug interactions, anticholinergic effects |
Mild sedative effect |
|
Sertraline (Zoloft) |
25 mg am |
100–200 mg am |
Low |
Nausea, tremor, dizziness, sweating, agitation |
Few drug interactions, well tolerated
|
NOTE: am = ante meridiem or before noon; hs = hora somni or at bedtime.