Which among the following selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors is longest acting?
Special points Fluoxetine: It is a prototype SSRI and is longest acting drug in this group. It is metabolized to nor-fluoxetine that retains the anti-depressant activity. Thus it has minimum risk of causing drug-discontinuation symptoms which is characterized by symptoms like paresthesias, body ache & bowel disturbances. Fluvoxamine is the shoest acting SSRI. Paroxetine, seraline and citalopram are other SSRIs. Escitalopram is most specific SSRI. Paroxetine is most teratogenic among SSRIs.
Fluvoxamine
Fluoxetine
Seraline
Paroxetine
CNS