SSRI

SSRI is an acronym for Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor. SSRIs are antidepressants ^[1] that work by inhibiting serotonin (a.k.a. 5-hydroxytryptamine or 5-HT) re-uptake. Unlike tricyclic antidepressants (TCAs) and serotonin/norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), SSRIs have greater selectivity for the serotonin transporter than to norepinephrine transporter ^[2]. Therefore, SSRIs are more specific, inhibiting only serotonin reuptake ^[2]. This in turn will increase the serotonin level across the synaptic cleft.

Some examples of SSRIs include fluoxetine (also known by the trade name Prozac), paroxetine and sertraline ^[1].

SSRIs can have a variety of side effects on a patient, including drowsiness, nausea, insomnia, dry mouth and agitation.

References

1. ↑ ^{1.0 1.1} Rang, H.P., Dale, M.M., Ritter, J.M., Flower, R.J. and Henderson, G., 2011. Rang and Dale's Pharmacology 7th ed. London:Elsevier Inc.
2. ↑ ^{2.0 2.1} WHALEN, K., FINKEL, R. and PANAVELIL, T.A., (2015) Lippincott Illustrated Reviews: Pharmacology. 6th Ed. Philadelphia: Wolters Kluwer.