SSRIs
SSRIs
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.
Pronunciation
SSRIs: /ˈɛsˈɛsˈɑːrˈaɪ/
Etymology
The term "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor" is derived from the drug's mechanism of action. It selectively inhibits the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain, thereby increasing its availability.
Definition
SSRIs are a type of antidepressant drug that increases the level of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic cell, which increases the amount of serotonin 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.
Usage
SSRIs are primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and anxiety disorders. They are also effective in treating a variety of other conditions, including obsessive-compulsive disorder, panic disorder, eating disorders, chronic pain, and, in some cases, for posttraumatic stress disorder.
Related Terms
See Also
- Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs)
- Tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs)
- Monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs)
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on SSRIs
- Wikipedia's article - SSRIs
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