SSRI antidepressants

SSRIs antidepressants

The full form of SSRIs is Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitor

SSRI antidepressant drug information:

The past decade has seen the introduction of many new antidepressants that work as well as the older ones but have fewer side effects. Some of these medications primarily affect one neurotransmitter, serotonin, and are called selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).

SSRIs were developed in the 1980's and are the most common prescribed today. They tend to cause less side effects, and are less sedative than other types. Many patients find SSRIs easier to take than other types of antidepressant.

SSRI antidepressants work?

One of the main cause of depression is due to the imbalance of certain neurotransmitters. SSRis work by regulate the neurochemical serotonin. They treat depression by selectively inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin. SSRIs work by allowing the body to make the best use of the reduced amounts of serotonin that it has at the time.

One of the main attraction of SSRIs is that they treat depression without the adverse effects of other antidepressants, such as the dry mouth caused by TCA's or the dietary restrictions mandated by MAOI's

Types of SSRI

They are sold under brand names such as Prozac, Paxil, Prozac, Luvox, Zoloft, Celexa.

SSRI antidepressant Important points

• The interaction of ssri with tricyclic and tetracyclic antidepressants  cause TCA levels to increase. Abnormal heart rhythms can result.
• The interaction of ssri with monoamine oxidase inhibitors (MAOls)  can cause Serotonin syndrome this is a dangerous and potentially fatal syndrome which includes rapid changes in vital signs (fever, oscillations in blood pressure), sweating, nausea, vomiting, rigid muscles, myoclonus, agitation, delirium, seizures, and coma. 
• The interaction of ssri with Lithium can either increase or decrease levels. May lead to lithium toxicity at normal lithium levels.
• Interaction of SSRIs with alcohol increases the drowsiness.
• Interaction of SSRIs with Caffeine can result in fluvoxamine (Luvox) causes levels to increase. Excess nervousness may result.

What are the Side Effects of SSRIs?

How does SSRI antidepressant work and SSRIs antidepressant uses?

How long I will need to take SSRI antidepressants?

SSRI weight gain: At first, SSRIs were thought to be associated with weight loss and reduced appetite. For a while, they were even marketed as anti-obesity drugs. It is now known that long-term use of SSRIs is associated with weight gain.

Antidepressant weight gain: Many people are not aware that weight gain is one of the most common side effects associated with many antidepressants prescribed today.

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors and MAOIs

Serotonin Syndrome - Serotonin Syndrome Symptom

Antidepressant-like profile and effects of rolipram (selective inhibitor of cyclic AMP) in the central nervous system.

SSRIs and other antidepressants

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