A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a class of medication primarily used to treat depressive disorders, anxiety disorders, and other mental health conditions. It is a type of antidepressant that acts by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin, a neurotransmitter, in the brain.
Serotonin is a chemical messenger that plays a vital role in regulating mood, emotions, sleep, and appetite. In individuals with depression or anxiety, there may be an imbalance of serotonin levels, leading to symptoms such as sadness, irritability, and sleep disturbances. SSRI medications work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the nerve cells, thus increasing its availability in the brain.
By maintaining higher levels of serotonin in the brain, SSRI drugs help alleviate depressive symptoms and improve mood. These medications are called "selective" because they primarily target the reuptake of serotonin and have minimal impact on other neurotransmitters. This selectivity reduces the potential for side effects and makes SSRI drugs safer and more tolerable for most patients.
Common examples of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include fluoxetine (Prozac), sertraline (Zoloft), escitalopram (Lexapro), and paroxetine (Paxil). These medications are usually taken orally in tablet or capsule form, typically once a day. SSRIs may take several weeks to reach their full therapeutic effect, so it is necessary to continue taking them as prescribed. Due to their effectiveness and relatively low risk of severe side effects, SSRIs are widely prescribed and considered one of the first-line treatments for depression and anxiety disorders.
