Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a widely used type of antidepressant. They’re mainly prescribed
to treat depression
, particularly persistent or severe cases, and are often used in combination with a talking therapy such as cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
What do selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors treat?
How SSRIs work. SSRIs treat
depression
by increasing levels of serotonin in the brain. Serotonin is one of the chemical messengers (neurotransmitters) that carry signals between brain nerve cells (neurons). SSRIs block the reabsorption (reuptake) of serotonin into neurons.
What happens when serotonin reuptake is inhibited?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
slow the process by which serotonin (a substance that nerves use to send messages to one another)
is reused by nerve cells that make it. This increases the amount of serotonin available for stimulating other nerves.
How does selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors affect anxiety?
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are usually the first choice of medication for treating social anxiety disorder (SAD). SSRIs affect your brain chemistry
by slowing re-absorption of the neurotransmitter serotonin
, a chemical that we think helps to regulate mood and anxiety.
What is a reuptake inhibitor do?
In the abbreviations SSRI and SNRI, the “RI” stands for “reuptake inhibitor.” Reuptake inhibitors are a
type of drug used to treat depression, anxiety, and other psychiatric conditions
. They work by increasing the concentration of certain brain chemicals, known as neurotransmitters, to alter mood.
What does SSRI withdrawal feel like?
The most common symptoms of SSRI discontinuation syndrome are described as either being flu-like, or feeling like
a sudden return of anxiety or depression
.
What is the safest antidepressant?
Among the newer antidepressants, bupropion and venlafaxine were associated with the highest case fatality rates. In addition, among SSRIs, citalopram and fluvoxamine appeared to be related to higher mortality rates in overdose, whereas
fluoxetine and sertraline
were the safest [188].
Can SSRIs damage your brain?
“Perhaps we should be a bit more cautious than we are at the moment, about who we use antidepressants for. We need more research.” He notes, however, that SSRI’s have been in use for some 25 years and
there is no evidence of brain damage or a negative impact
on intellectual capacity.
What medication has serotonin?
- Citalopram (Celexa)
- Escitalopram (Lexapro)
- Fluoxetine (Prozac)
- Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
- Paroxetine (Paxil)
- Sertraline (Zoloft)
Why do antidepressants take 4 6 weeks to work?
Instead antidepressants target our DNA,
in particular the genes that code for the serotonin transporter
. They make these genes less active, so fewer serotonin transporter molecules are available in the brain. This, it is argued, explains the delayed action of antidepressants.
Do I have to take SSRI forever?
You do not need to take antidepressants forever
nor do you need to get a prescription from a counselor or therapist. During your first few sessions, you’ll have the chance to talk about your needs and find out whether antidepressants can help.
How does serotonin affect anxiety?
Serotonin’s release into the synaptic space and re-uptake from the synaptic space controls the overall amount that can communicate to the receiving neuron. When serotonin levels are low,
anxiety can result
. Therefore, increasing levels back to normal reduces symptoms of anxiety.
Which SSRI best for anxiety?
The antidepressants most widely prescribed for anxiety are SSRIs such as
Prozac, Zoloft, Paxil, Lexapro, and Celexa
.
What happens when a drug blocks the reuptake of a neurotransmitter?
The reuptake process is susceptible to drug manipulation. By blocking the action of serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SERTs),
the amount of serotonin in the synaptic cleft increases
.
What is the most commonly prescribed antidepressant?
The most commonly prescribed ones include:
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
are the most prescribed type of antidepressant and include: Fluoxetine. Citalopram. Sertraline.
What is the purpose of reuptake?
Reuptake is essentially a
process to recycle neurotransmitters in which active processes exist within nerve terminals to reabsorb the released neurotransmitter
.
