| Selective serotonin reuptake
inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants used
in the treatment of depression, anxiety disorders, and
some personality disorders. They are also typically
effective and used in treating premature ejaculation
problems.
SSRIs increase the extracellular level of the neurotransmitter
serotonin by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic
cell, increasing the level of serotonin available
to bind to the postsynaptic receptor. They have varying
degrees of selectivity for the other monoamine transporters,
having little binding affinity for the noradrenaline
and dopamine transporters.
The first class of psychotropic drugs to be rationally
designed, SSRIs are the most widely prescribed antidepressants
in many countries.
Drugs in this class include:
(Trade names in parentheses)
- citalopram (Celexa, Cipramil, Emocal, Sepram, Seropram)
- escitalopram oxalate (Lexapro, Cipralex, Esertia)
- fluoxetine (Prozac, Fontex, Seromex, Seronil, Sarafem,
Fluctin (EUR))
- fluvoxamine maleate (Luvox, Faverin)
- paroxetine (Paxil, Seroxat, Aropax, Deroxat, Rexetin,
Xetanor, Paroxat)
- sertraline (Zoloft, Lustral, Serlain)
- dapoxetine (no known trade name)
Related antidepressants
SSRIs form a subclass of Serotonin uptake inhibitors,
which includes other non-selective inhibitors as well.
Serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor, Serotonin-noradrenaline-dopamine
reuptake inhibitors and Selective serotonin reuptake
enhancers are also serotonergic antidepressants.
Medical indications
The main indication for SSRIs is clinical depression.
Apart from this, SSRIs are frequently prescribed for
anxiety disorders like social anxiety, panic disorders,
obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), eating disorders,
and chronic pain. Though not specifically indicated
by the manufacturers, they are also sometimes prescribed
to treat irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) and Lichen
Simplex Chronicum. Additionally, SSRIs have been found
to be effective in treating both Pathological Laughter
and Crying (PLC) and premature ejaculation in up to
60% of men. All SSRIs are approved in conjunction
with psychiatric disorders as outlined in the Diagnostic
and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM IV).
Different SSRIs have different approval uses in different
countries dependent on the overseeing medical branch
of government in charge of regulating drugs. In the
United States, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA)
makes these approvals after trials have been submitted
by pharmaceutical companies. In Europe a single body,
The European Medicines Agency approves medicines for
human consumption throughout the EU.
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