From the Guidelines
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) can affect the sense of taste in some patients, although the provided evidence does not directly address this specific side effect. The available evidence from 1 and 1 focuses on the efficacy, effectiveness, and adverse events of second-generation antidepressants, including SSRIs, for the treatment of depressive disorders. While these studies do not specifically mention taste disturbances as a common adverse event, they do report nausea and vomiting as common reasons for discontinuation in efficacy studies, which could indirectly relate to taste alterations.
Common Adverse Events
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Nausea
- Sexual side effects
- Somnolence Given the lack of direct evidence on SSRIs and taste disturbances, it is essential to consider the potential impact of SSRIs on serotonin levels and their role in taste perception. However, without specific studies addressing this issue, the decision to adjust treatment should be based on individual patient response and the severity of any adverse events, including potential taste disturbances. Patients experiencing significant taste alterations should consult their healthcare provider about potential adjustments to their treatment plan.
From the FDA Drug Label
Special Senses Taste Perversion2%0%
Special Senses Abnormal Vision4%2%——4%1% Taste Perversion2%0%————
SSRIs can affect the sense of taste. The FDA drug label for paroxetine reports Taste Perversion in 2% of patients, indicating that SSRIs can indeed impact the sense of taste 2. Key points to consider:
- Taste Perversion is listed as an adverse event in the Special Senses section of the drug label.
- The incidence of Taste Perversion is reported as 2% in patients taking paroxetine, with 0% incidence in the placebo group.
- This suggests a potential link between SSRI use and alterations in taste perception.
From the Research
SSRIs and Sense of Taste
- There is limited direct evidence on the effect of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) on the sense of taste.
- However, a study on drug-induced taste disorders 3 highlights that many drugs can affect the sense of taste, contributing to morbidity and impacting quality of life.
- Research on tricyclic antidepressants, which are related to SSRIs, shows that these medications can impair the sense of taste 4.
- Another study on the effect of antimicrobial and anti-inflammatory medications on taste 5 found that these drugs can alter taste perception, although this may not be directly applicable to SSRIs.
- A review of SSRIs 6 lists common adverse reactions, including gastrointestinal symptoms and neuropsychiatric effects, but does not specifically mention alterations in taste.
- The pharmacogenetics of SSRIs 7 discusses the metabolism and potential interactions of these drugs, but does not address their impact on taste.