SSRIs

Extracted Attributes

• Primary Use

  Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Class of Drug

  Antidepressant

• Veterinary Use

  Fluoxetine (for canine separation anxiety)

• Overdose Safety

  Safer than tricyclics, but can cause severe toxicity in large or combined doses

• Controversial Link

  Antidepressants and suicidal thoughts

• Common Side Effects

  Movement disorders (e.g., akathisia), Sexual dysfunction (anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, reduced libido)

• Mechanism of Action

  Blocks serotonin reabsorption (reuptake) via the serotonin transporter, leading to gradual changes in brain signaling and receptor regulation

• Other Marketed SSRI

  Dapoxetine (for premature ejaculation)

• Effectiveness Debate

  Ongoing, especially for mild to moderate depression, due to mixed research, bias, placebo effects, adverse outcomes

• Research Bias Concern

  Publication bias favoring positive trial results, conflicts of interest in meta-analyses due to pharmaceutical industry involvement

• Drug Interaction Risks

  Serotonin syndrome, reduced efficacy with NSAIDs, altered drug metabolism (CYP450 enzyme inhibition)

• Prevalence (US Adults)

  Approximately 13% (higher among women and over 60)

• Withdrawal Symptom Risk

  Yes, upon abrupt discontinuation (tapering recommended, especially for paroxetine)

• Marketed Antidepressant SSRIs

  Citalopram, Escitalopram, Fluoxetine, Fluvoxamine, Paroxetine, Sertraline

• Potential Persistent Side Effect

  Post-SSRI sexual dysfunction (PSSD)

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that are typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions. SSRIs primarily work by blocking serotonin reabsorption (reuptake) via the serotonin transporter, leading to gradual changes in brain signaling and receptor regulation, with some also interacting with sigma-1 receptors, particularly fluvoxamine, which may contribute to cognitive effects. Marketed SSRIs include six main antidepressants—citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline—and dapoxetine, which is indicated for premature ejaculation. Fluoxetine has been approved for veterinary use in the treatment of canine separation anxiety. SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in many countries. Their effectiveness, especially for mild to moderate depression, remains debated due to mixed research findings and concerns about bias, placebo effects, and adverse outcomes. SSRIs can cause a range of side effects, including movement disorders like akathisia and various forms of sexual dysfunction—such as anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido—with some effects potentially persisting long after discontinuation (post-SSRI sexual dysfunction). SSRIs pose drug interaction risks by potentially causing serotonin syndrome, reducing efficacy with NSAIDs, and altering drug metabolism through CYP450 enzyme inhibition. SSRIs are safer in overdose than tricyclics but can still cause severe toxicity in large or combined doses. Stopping SSRIs abruptly can cause withdrawal symptoms, so tapering, especially from paroxetine, is recommended, with fluoxetine causing fewer issues. Positive antidepressant trial results are much more likely to be published than negative ones, and many meta-analyses have conflicts of interest due to pharmaceutical industry involvement, often downplaying potential risks. While warnings about antidepressants possibly causing suicidal thoughts were added after years of debate, the evidence has remained controversial, with some experts questioning the strength of the link even after regulatory actions.

Web Search Results

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor - Wikipedia

  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of drugs that are typically used as antidepressants in the treatment of major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and other psychological conditions. [...] SSRIs primarily work by blocking serotonin reabsorption (reuptake) via the serotonin transporter, leading to gradual changes in brain signaling and receptor regulation, with some also interacting with sigma-1 receptors, particularly fluvoxamine, which may contribute to cognitive effects. Marketed SSRIs include six main antidepressants—citalopram, escitalopram, fluoxetine, fluvoxamine, paroxetine, and sertraline—and dapoxetine, which is indicated for premature ejaculation. Fluoxetine has been [...] SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in many countries. Their effectiveness, especially for mild to moderate depression, remains debated due to mixed research findings and concerns about bias, placebo effects, and adverse outcomes. SSRIs can cause a range of side effects, including movement disorders like akathisia and various forms of sexual dysfunction—such as anorgasmia, erectile dysfunction, and reduced libido—with some effects potentially persisting long after

• Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)

  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are medications that are commonly used to treat depression, anxiety, and several other mental health issues. They are the most commonly prescribed antidepressant and are likely to cause fewer side effects than other antidepressant medications.1 SSRIs are used in the treatment of other mental health problems as well, including:2 [...] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are a type of antidepressant medication that can also be used to treat anxiety disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other conditions. Although these drugs may have fewer and more tolerable side effects than some earlier-generation antidepressants, side effects—which can vary somewhat based on the specific medication—may still occur. [...] SSRIs inhibit the reabsorption of serotonin back into the nerve cells (called reuptake). This mechanism results in higher levels of active serotonin in the brain.2

• SSRIs: Uses, Benefits and Side Effects of these Antidepressants

  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are antidepressant medications used to treat depression, anxiety, panic disorder, and several other mental health conditions. SSRIs are the most commonly prescribed antidepressants. They are considered relatively safe and cause fewer side effects than other kinds of medications used to treat depression. About 13% of U.S. adults take antidepressants, with rates of use higher among women and people over the age of 60. [...] ## SSRIs vs SNRIs Serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) are other commonly prescribed antidepressants that work similarly to SSRIs, changing brain chemistry to affect your mood. SNRIs block the reuptake of both serotonin and norepinephrine, another neurotransmitter (chemical messenger). Serotonin is thought to impact your appetite, sexual desire, and social interactions, while norepinephrine affects how alert you are, how you pay attention, and your sexual arousal. [...] How do I know if I need an SSRI? SSRIs are used to treat major depressive disorder, anxiety, and other behavioral health conditions such as OCD. Chronic depression symptoms include a lack of interest in things you used to enjoy; too much or too little sleep; extreme lack of energy; and suicidal thoughts. Your doctor can diagnose major depressive disorder and prescribe an SSRI if they think it is right for you. ### Top doctors in , ### Find more top doctors on ### Related Links

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - NHS inform

  # Your choice regarding cookies on this site We use cookies to optimise site functionality and give you the best possible experience. # Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a type of antidepressant medication. They’re mostly used to treat depression, particularly persistent or severe cases. They’re often used with a talking therapy like cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT). [...] SSRIs are usually the first choice of medication for depression. This is because they have fewer side effects than other types of antidepressant. ## What are SSRIs used for? SSRIs can be used to treat many mental health conditions, including: depression generalised anxiety disorder (GAD) obsessive compulsive disorder (OCD) panic disorder severe phobias, like agoraphobia and social phobia bulimia post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)

• Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) - Mayo Clinic

  Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, also called SSRIs, are the type of antidepressant prescribed most often. They can ease symptoms of moderate to severe depression. They are relatively safe, and they typically cause fewer side effects than other types of antidepressants do. ### How SSRIs work Serotonin is one of many chemical messengers in the brain called neurotransmitters. Neurotransmitters carry signals between nerve cells in the brain, called neurons. [...] Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) Print Sections _Products and services_Image 8: The Mayo Clinic Diet: What is your weight-loss goal? 5-10 lbs, 11-25 lbs, or 25+ lbs Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) _This commonly prescribed type of antidepressant can help you overcome depression. Discover how SSRIs improve mood and what side effects they may cause._By Mayo Clinic Staff [...] The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved these SSRIs to treat depression: Citalopram (Celexa). Escitalopram (Lexapro). Fluoxetine (Prozac). Paroxetine (Paxil). Sertraline (Zoloft). ### Possible side effects and cautions