Prevalence of the Common Side Effects of SSRI in the Primary Care in Saudi Arabia

Background: Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are widely prescribed for the treatment of mood disorders, including depression and anxiety. While SSRIs are generally well-tolerated, they can be associated with a range of side effects that can impact patient adherence and treatment outcomes. Aim: The current study aimed to assess the prevalence of side effects after using SSRI medication in primary care clinics. Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted in Saudi Arabia's eastern province, focusing on patients on selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). Patients aged 18 and above were included, while those using two or more antidepressants were excluded. Data was collected through a questionnaire, initiated by the study authors, to minimize data extraction error and interrater bias. Results: In this study of 176 SSRI users in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia, participants ranged in age from 18 to over 60 years, with the largest group (38.1%) aged 31-40 years. Females represented 60.8% of the sample. The most commonly prescribed SSRI was Escitalopram (Cipralex) (30.7%), followed by Paroxetine (Seroxat) (21.0%) and Citalopram (Cipramil) (20.5%). Most users reported taking SSRIs for depression (75.6%) and anxiety/stress (39.2%). Regarding side effects, 61.9% of users reported no side effects, while 38.1% experienced at least one, with digestive symptoms being the most common (26.7%). The study also found that the duration of SSRI use was a significant factor, with those using SSRIs for less than 3 months reporting higher side effect prevalence (55.3%) compared to long-term users (14.3%) (p = 0.049). However, age, gender, SSRI type, and the reason for use did not significantly influence side effect occurrence (p-values > 0.05). Conclusion: The study emphasizes the importance of monitoring side effects in patients taking SSRIs, as they can significantly impact treatment adherence and quality of life. Side effects are more prevalent in the early stages, but decrease as users adapt to the medication. Further research is needed to understand long-term effects and develop strategies for improved treatment adherence.