Selective

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that are typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders.

Mechanism of action

SSRIs are believed to increase the extracellular level of the neurotransmitter serotonin by limiting its reabsorption into the presynaptic cell, increasing the level of serotonin in the synaptic cleft available to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. They have varying degrees of selectivity for the other monoamine transporters, with pure SSRIs having only weak affinity for the norepinephrine and dopamine transporters.

Medical uses

SSRIs are primarily classified as antidepressants. They are particularly effective in treating mental health disorders such as major depressive disorder, anxiety disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders, chronic pain, and, in some cases, for posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They are also frequently used to treat depression.

Side effects

Common side effects of SSRIs include nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and sexual dysfunction. SSRIs are safer than traditional antidepressant medications, particularly with overdose, and they also may have a lesser degree of side effects.

History

The first SSRI, Prozac (fluoxetine), was approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 1987. Other members of this class include Paxil (paroxetine), Zoloft (sertraline), Lexapro (escitalopram), and Celexa (citalopram), among others.

See also

• Serotonin–norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor
• Norepinephrine–dopamine reuptake inhibitor
• Antidepressant

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