Weight gain is a common and often concerning side effect of psychotropic medications, including antidepressants, antipsychotics, lithium, and anticonvulsants. A systematic review by Sepulvida-Lizcano et al. found that 89% of frequently prescribed psychotropic medications are associated with metabolic alterations. This is particularly concerning for children and adolescents, who are at heightened risk of weight gain […]
Category Archives: SSRI
How Anxiety Can Present as Disruptive Behavior 3/19/25
It is common for children and families to present to their primary care providers with concerns about externalizing behavioral problems and/or wanting to rule out Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD) or another disruptive behavioral disorder. A common presenting problem is severe outbursts at home and/or disruptive behavior in school. In some of these cases, the […]
Medication Treatment Algorithm for Adolescent Depression in Primary Care 4/16/24
Adolescent depression is a significant mental health concern, with potential long-term implications if left untreated. While psychotherapy remains a cornerstone of treatment, medication can be an essential component for moderate to severe cases or when psychotherapy alone is insufficient. This medication treatment algorithm outlines evidence-based pharmacological interventions for adolescent depression, incorporating safety considerations, efficacy, and […]
Important Drug Interactions with SSRI’s 9/28/2017
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are commonly used psychotropic medications to treat depression and anxiety. It is important to be aware of common drug interactions between them and other medications, especially because some SSRIs are competitive inhibitors of a variety of cytochrome P450 liver enzymes. Therefore, they can dramatically increase the blood levels of medications […]
Maximizing Efficacy of Antidepressants
Antidepressant medications, most commonly the selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), are frequently prescribed by primary care providers for depression, anxiety, and impulse control disorders. There are some important guiding principles to keep in mind when prescribing these medications, which can dramatically improve a patient’s response to treatment and ensure ongoing safety. Here is a review […]
Important Drug Interactions Between Psychotropic Medications and Contraceptives
Contraceptives are commonly used in women of childbearing age, many of who are also taking psychotropic medications for mental health concerns. It is important to be aware of the interactions between contraceptives and certain psychotropic medications as well as the psychiatric side effects of contraceptives themselves. Contraceptives have synthetic estrogen, progesterone or a combination of […]
Important Drug Interactions with the SSRIs
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are the most commonly used psychotropic medications to treat depression and anxiety. It is important to be aware of common drug interactions between them and other medications, especially because some SSRIs are competitive inhibitors of a variety of cytochrome P450 liver enzymes. Therefore, they can significantly increase the blood levels […]