Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants. They act within the brain to increase the amount of the neurotransmitter, serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HTP), in the synaptic gap by inhibiting its reuptake.

Related Topics:
Antidepressants - Neurotransmitter - Serotonin - Synaptic gap - Reuptake

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SSRIs are frequently prescribed for anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, and eating disorders. Though not specifically indicated by the manufacturers, they are also sometimes prescribed to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). Additionally, SSRIs have been found to be effective in treating premature ejaculation in up to 60% of men.

Related Topics:
Anxiety disorder - Obsessive-compulsive disorder - Eating disorder - Irritable bowel syndrome - Premature ejaculation

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SSRIs are not addictive in the strict sense of the word (i.e. animals given free access to the drug do not actively seek it out and do not seek to increase the dose), but suddenly discontinuing their use is known to produce both somatic and psychological withdrawal symptoms, a phenomenon known as "SSRI discontinuation syndrome" (Tamam & Ozpoyraz, 2002). Compared to the withdrawal symptoms of such drugs as opiates, alcohol, or cocaine, these are slight.

Related Topics:
Addictive - Somatic - SSRI discontinuation syndrome - Opiates - Alcohol - Cocaine

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Their effectiveness does not appear to be higher than tricyclic antidepressants, which were the most commonly used class of antidepressants before the development of SSRIs. However, SSRIs have the important advantage that their toxic dose is high, and, therefore, they are much more difficult to use as a means to commit suicide. Further, they have fewer or milder side effects.

Related Topics:
Tricyclic antidepressant - Toxic dose - Suicide - Side effects

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