Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressant medications primarily used to treat major depressive disorder and various anxiety-related conditions. They are often the first-line treatment due to their safety, efficacy, and relatively mild side effect profile compared to older antidepressants
What SSRIs Are and How They Work
- SSRIs work by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, into the presynaptic neuron. This inhibition increases the amount of serotonin available in the synaptic cleft, enhancing serotonin signaling between neurons
- Serotonin is involved in regulating mood, emotion, sleep, appetite, and other functions. By increasing serotonin levels, SSRIs help improve symptoms of depression and anxiety
- Unlike other antidepressants, SSRIs have minimal effects on other neurotransmitters such as dopamine and norepinephrine, which contributes to fewer side effects
Common SSRIs
Some commonly prescribed SSRIs include:
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Sertraline
- Paroxetine
- Fluvoxamine
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
- Vilazodone
Uses of SSRIs
SSRIs are FDA-approved for treating:
- Major depressive disorder
- Generalized anxiety disorder
- Obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD)
- Panic disorder
- Bulimia nervosa
- Bipolar depression
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Social anxiety disorder
- Premenstrual dysphoric disorder
- Treatment-resistant depression
They are also used off-label for other conditions such as fibromyalgia, irritable bowel syndrome, and certain pain disorders
. In summary, SSRIs are widely prescribed antidepressants that increase serotonin levels in the brain by blocking its reuptake, thereby improving mood and anxiety symptoms with a relatively favorable side effect profile
