. Author manuscript; available in PMC: 2010 Jul 2.

Published in final edited form as: J Am Board Fam Med. 2009 Mar–Apr;22(2):175–186. doi: 10.3122/jabfm.2009.02.080078

TABLE 2.

SSRI ANTIDEPRESSANT OPTIONS

MEDICATION	ANXIOLYTIC EFFICACY^*	ADVANTAGES	DISADVANTAGES
fluoxetine	Panic^*, PTSD^	Generic available; Long 1/2 life (No withdrawal)	Most stimulating; Longer 1/2 life
paroxetine	Panic^, GAD^, SAD^, PTSD^	Generic available; Most extensively studied across these anxiety disorders; Least stimulating; No P450 3A4 effects	Most sedating; Shorter ½ life and worse withdrawal
sertraline	Panic^*, GAD^, SAD^, PTSD^	Well-studied across these 4 anxiety disorders; Least P4502D6 effects; Minimal P4503A4 effects; Intermediate 1/2 life (Less withdrawal)	Most diarrhea
citalopram	Panic^*	Generic available; No P450 effects
escitalopram	Panic^, GAD^, SAD^	No P450 effects
venlafaxine ER	Panic^, GAD^, SAD^**, PTSD	No P450 effects	Short ½ life; Withdrawal with missed dose or sudden discontinuation; Increased BP at >225 mg

RCTs but no FDA-approved indication

^**

FDA-approved indication as of January 2006