What Are The Effects Of Long Term Use Of SSRI?

Posted on Wed, 29 Apr 2015

Question: Hi - I was wondering about the long term use of SSRI's - can they be effective on the same dose for many years? e.g. 15 years? Ive been on 10mg for 2 years and had break through anxiety that was pretty bad so now i have to go up by half - so im concerned my tolerance will just continue to increase ?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Ashok Kumar Choudhary (8 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Yes they maintain effectiveness without developing tolerance

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for using Healthcaremagic.

Most of SSRI retain their effectiveness at same dose and do not need increase in dose if continued as advised by physician. In case they are stopped abruptly they cause mild to severe withdrawal symptoms, necessitating extra dose.

So it is advisable to continue treatment as advised and never to stop abruptly.

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar