How do they decide?!
Question:
How do they decide?
When prescribing an antidepressant how do they decide which one to try first. Is there any pattern to it, i.e. they generally go for citalopram first, or do they evaluate your symptoms and then decide. Just curious, a different question on here sparked my curiosity.
Additional Details1 month ago
Sorry forgot to say, I am already on citalopram. I would like to know how the gp chose this one over others.
Answers:
Sometimes the decision is based on the doctor/psychiatrists past experience with the medication has been, ie. how other clients have responded to it. Usually the first to be tried are SSRI's, as they are helpful for many people and have a low risk of severe side effects. Other times, the medication recommendation will be based on the patient's specific concerns ie. concern about gaining or losing weight, concerns about sexual side effects, or depression accompanied by anxiety. Some antidepressants have fewer sexual side effects or tendency towards weight gain, but have other undesirable side effects instead.