Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors - mechanism - Indications - Side effects - Antidepressant Drugs:

1.     Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs), a class of antidepressant drugs, inhibit the reuptake of serotonin in the presynaptic terminal and increases the availability and hence, transmission of serotonin.

Following drugs are used to inhibit the serotonin Reuptake.

Ø     Fluoxetine

Ø     Paroxetine

Ø     Fluvoxamine

Ø     Citalopram

Ø     Escitalopram

Ø     Sertraline

Serotonin reuptake inhibitors have largely replaced the old Tricyclic antidepressants.

These drugs have fewer side effects as compared to TCA,s.

Indications of SSRIs:

SSRIs are indicated in following disorders:

ü     Depression

ü     Obsessive Compulsive Disorder (OCD) (Fluvoxamine)

ü     Panic disorder

ü     Generalize anxiety disorder

ü     Post traumatic Stress disorder

ü     Bulimia Nervosa (Fluoxetine)

Adverse Effects Of SRRI’s:

Following are the common adverse effects related To SSRI’s

    Nausea

    Anxiety

    Drowsiness

    Insomnia ( Difficulty in sleeping)

    Sexual Dysfunction (delayed Ejaculation )

    Drug interactions.

    Suicidal Tendency in Children May occur.

    Seizures in predisposed individuals (in over dosing)