SSRI

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors are an antidepressants indicated in depression and anxiety.

Method Of Action

Depression and therefore SSRI action is not fully understood. There are a variety of theories on the neurophysiology of depression but one is that there's a lack of stimulation of neurons at the synapse. Serotonin is a neurotransmitter and SSRIs inhibit serotonin reuptake in the synaptic cleft, increasing stimulation of the post-synaptic neuron.

Indications

• Depression
• Anxiety
• Some personality disorders
• Premature ejaculation

The most important of these with regards to psychiatry are depression and, to lesser extent though still important anxiety.