SSRI
Also written as: SSRI — Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor
A class of antidepressant medications that primarily work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin in the brain.
Full Definition
Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are a major class of antidepressant medications that selectively block the reuptake of serotonin at the synaptic cleft, thereby increasing serotonin availability in the brain. SSRIs include medications such as fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, and escitalopram. They are considered first-line treatments for major depressive disorder, anxiety disorders, and several other psychiatric conditions due to their favorable side effect profile compared to older antidepressants. In psychiatric research, SSRIs serve as active comparators in clinical trials, subjects of mechanism-of-action studies, and treatments in combination therapy investigations. Common side effects include gastrointestinal symptoms, sexual dysfunction, and potential for serotonin syndrome when combined with other serotonergic agents.
Usage
Usage note: Always capitalize as acronym; plural form is SSRIs.
In Context
- "The study compared the novel compound to an SSRI active control group." — Clinical trial design
- "Participants were required to be free of SSRI treatment for at least two weeks prior to randomization." — Washout requirements