SSRI Antidepressants - Mechanism of Action

SSRI antidepressants are a class of medications used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and some other mental health conditions. They work by increasing the levels of serotonin in the brain, which helps regulate mood and emotions.

SSRI Antidepressants FAQ

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Are SSRIs a type of antidepressant?

SSRIs are a type of antidepressant. Learn about these commonly prescribed drugs, including side effects, how they work, and their pros and cons. If you’re currently dealing with a mental health condition like depression, you are not alone.

Are SSRI antidepressants effective?

SSRI antidepressants help to relieve symptoms of depression such as low mood, irritability, feelings of worthlessness, restlessness, anxiety, and difficulty in sleeping. They are one of the most commonly prescribed antidepressants because they are effective at improving mood with fewer or less severe side effects compared to others.

What does SSRI stand for?

"Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) Past, Present and Future. Edited by S. Clare Standford, R.G. Landes Company". Human Psychopharmacology: Clinical and Experimental. Austin, Texas. 15 (6): 471. doi: 10.1002/1099-1077 (200008)15:6<471::AID-HUP211>3.0.CO;2-4. ISBN 1570596492.

Are SSRIs a good antidepressant?

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, or SSRIs, were the first antidepressants developed. They are now the most commonly prescribed antidepressant medications. They are prescribed to treat depression but are also used to treat a broader range of depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What are the different types of SSRI antidepressants?

SSRIs are one type of antidepressant. Other types include tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs), serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), norepinephrine and dopamine reuptake inhibitors (NDRIs), monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOIs), and the atypical antidepressants. What are SSRI antidepressants used for?

Why do SSRIs have fewer side effects than other antidepressants?

This means that more serotonin is active in your brain. Unlike other classes of antidepressants, SSRIs have little effect on other neurotransmitters, such as dopamine or norepinephrine. This may be why SSRIs cause fewer side effects compared to other antidepressants.