Can SSRI's help manage depression?

Question

Hello doctor,

I have been depressed for a long time. About three months ago I decided to go to a doctor about it. They first prescribed Fluoxetine, then Citalopram, and now Sertraline, all of which are SSRIs. So is it not evident that if the SSRI does not work the first time, it will not work the second and third times, but under a different brand name?

Kindly suggest.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I read your query and can understand your concern.

I completely understand that you feel concerned about the medication prescribed to you by your doctor. According to your query, I am telling you some facts about antidepressant drugs (SSRIs).

Although all SSRI drugs have similar mechanisms of action, each SSRI medicine you mentioned here has slightly different pharmacological and pharmacokinetic characteristics. It means that each of them is different in its clinical significance, half-life, clinical activity, and side effects. Further, different SSRIs have different molecular structures (formula). Therefore, your doctor may prescribe different SSRIs to adjust the suitability of medication according to your current condition.

Take care.