Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

'''Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors''' ('''SSRIs''') are a [[class of drugs]] that are typically used as [[antidepressant]]s in the treatment of [[major depressive disorder]], [[anxiety disorder]]s, and other psychological conditions.

'''Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors''' ('''SSRIs''') are a [[class of drugs]] that are typically used as [[antidepressant]]s in the treatment of [[major depressive disorder]], [[anxiety disorder]]s, and other psychological conditions.

SSRIs primarily work by [[Reuptake inhibitor|blocking]] serotonin reabsorption (reuptake) via the [[serotonin transporter]], leading to gradual changes in brain signaling and receptor regulation, with some also interacting with [[sigma-1 receptor]]s, particularly [[fluvoxamine]], which may contribute to cognitive effects. Marketed SSRIs include six main antidepressants—[[citalopram]], [[escitalopram]], [[fluoxetine]], fluvoxamine, [[paroxetine]], and [[sertraline]]—and [[dapoxetine]], which is indicated for [[premature ejaculation]]. Fluoxetine has been approved for veterinary use in the treatment of [[Separation anxiety in dogs|canine separation anxiety]].

SSRIs primarily work by [[Reuptake inhibitor|blocking]] serotonin reabsorption (reuptake) via the [[serotonin transporter]], leading to gradual changes in brain signaling and receptor regulation, with some also interacting with [[sigma-1 receptor]]s, particularly [[fluvoxamine]], which may contribute to cognitive effects. Marketed SSRIs include six main antidepressants—[[citalopram]], [[escitalopram]], [[fluoxetine]], fluvoxamine, [[paroxetine]], and [[sertraline]]—and [[dapoxetine]], which is indicated for [[premature ejaculation]]. Fluoxetine has been approved for veterinary use in the treatment of [[Separation anxiety in dogs|canine separation anxiety]].

SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in many countries.{{cite book |vauthors= Preskorn SH, Ross R, Stanga CY |chapter= Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=sO_hArhCxwMC&pg=PA241 | veditors = Preskorn SH, Feighner HP, Stanga CY, Ross R |title= Antidepressants: Past, Present and Future |publisher= Springer |location= Berlin |year=2004 |pages= 241–262 |isbn= 978-3-540-43054-4}} In adults, they are recommended as a [[Therapy|first-line treatment]] for moderate to severe depression, while for mild depression non-drug treatments are preferred unless the patient chooses medication. SSRIs have modest benefits over [[placebo]], with uncertain [[clinical significance]], and may produce a substantial drug-specific response in only a minority of patients. There is no consistent evidence linking depression to low serotonin levels, and long-term use may reduce serotonin concentrations. Fifty years after their introduction, SSRIs remain widely used for depression, though their effectiveness, mechanisms, and role in medicalizing normal life remain debated.

SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants in many countries.{{cite book |vauthors= Preskorn SH, Ross R, Stanga CY |chapter= Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors |chapter-url= https://books.google.com/books?id=sO_hArhCxwMC&pg=PA241 | veditors = Preskorn SH, Feighner HP, Stanga CY, Ross R |title= Antidepressants: Past, Present and Future |publisher= Springer |location= Berlin |year=2004 |pages= 241–262 |isbn= 978-3-540-43054-4}} In adults, they are recommended as a [[Therapy|first-line treatment]] for moderate to severe depression, while for mild depression non-drug treatments are preferred unless the patient chooses medication. SSRIs have modest benefits over [[placebo]], with uncertain [[clinical significance]], and may produce a substantial drug-specific response in only a minority of patients. There is no consistent evidence linking depression to low serotonin levels, and long-term use may reduce serotonin concentrations. Fifty years after their introduction, SSRIs remain widely used for depression, though their effectiveness, mechanisms, and role in medicalizing normal life remain debated.