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 - in the first 2 weeks, anxiety will increase with SSRI alone. So diazepam must be prescribed alongside
- Some personality disorders
- Premature ejaculation
The most important of these with regards to psychiatry are depression and, to lesser extent though still important anxiety. SSRIs are the first-line pharmocological treatment in both these conditions.
Contraindications
Drugs
- MAOIs - causes serotonin syndrome
- Tramadol - may produce seizures
Medical Conditions
- Hepatic impairment
Side effects
There is a large number of potential side-effects of SSRIs. However the main two are:
- GI upset
- Sexual dysfunction (including loss of libido)
Generic Names
- Fluoextine
- Citalopram
- Escitalopram
- Paroxetine
- Sertaline