action: selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitor (SSRI)
The neurotransmitter serotonin (5-HT or 5 hydroxy tryptamine) may play a role in many mental disorders. This class of drugs probably acts by limiting the reabsorption of serotonin by neurons (nerve cells) in the brain where they meet (the synapse).
Also: serotonin syndrome
Examples:
Stephen Stahl's Clinical Pearls* (Consult your physician before making any change in your treatment.)
- Different doses, different onsets of action, different tolerabilities and different degrees of efficacy in various therapeutic targets.
- Most side effects short term, and immediate, with tolerance developing.
- Different tolerability and efficacy profiles for individual patients treated by different agents within the class.
- Concomitant agents often boost efficacy and/or enhance tolerability.
- Less efficacy than TCAs for severe depression?
- Wearing off of efficacy over long treatment intervals?
- For sexual dysfunction, switch to nefazodone (Serzone), mirtazapine (Remeron) or bupropion (Wellbutrin SR-USA only).
- For sexual dysfunction add serotonergic agents: cyproheptadine, nefazodone or buspirone.
- For sexual dysfunction add dopaminergic agents: amantadine, bromocriptine, methylphenidate, d-amphetamine.
| Books and Other Media: Follow the hypertext link to purchase items online. |
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Preskorn, Sheldon H. Clinical Pharmacology of Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (Paperback - January 1996)
Complete Book Online -
Sullivan, Donald L. & Williams Craig (Introduction) Zoloft, Paxil, Luvox and Prozac - All New Information to Help You Choose the Right Antidepressant Paperback 1999
*Reprinted with permission from: Stahl, Stephen M Psychopharmacology of Antidepressants Paperback 1997 Martin Dunitz, Ltd & Blackwell Science You cannot fully appreciate this book until you have seen the extraordinary illustrations of every aspect of this area of psychopharmacology and neurochemistry. Loaded with practical clinical "pearls."