Update on Management of the Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery Patient on Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have been the cornerstone for the treatment of depression, anxiety, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and panic disorder for a wide spectrum of age groups. Although the beneficial therapeutic properties are well recognized by the medical community, it also possesses many undesirable adverse effects with clinical manifestations. Some of the effects can be severe. This chapter highlights use of SSRIs, the mechanism of action, medication dosages, common drug to drug interactions, and recommendations on management of the oral and maxillofacial surgery patient on SSRIs.