What does serotonin reuptake inhibitor mean?

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A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) is a class of prescription medications used to treat conditions affected by chemical changes in the brain. Doctors commonly prescribe SSRIs for the treatment of psychological disorders.

Function

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors prevent your body from breaking down and absorbing a brain chemical known as serotonin, which is responsible for regulating arousal, body temperature, mood, appetite, sleep and pain sensations, according to Macalester College.

Effects

By preventing the breakdown of serotonin, SSRIs increase levels of the chemical in your brain. Increased amounts of serotonin help reduce the symptoms of depression, generalized anxiety and panic disorders.

Types

Types of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors include citalopram, escitalopram fluoxetine, paroxetine and sertraline.

Side Effects

Possible side effects of serotonin reuptake inhibitors include nausea, difficulty achieving an orgasm, reduced libido, dry mouth, headache, diarrhea, nervousness, skin rashes, agitation, restlessness, increased sweating, weight gain, drowsiness and insomnia, reports the Mayo Clinic.

Considerations

If you stop taking serotonin reuptake inhibitors suddenly, the resulting drop in serotonin levels may produce unpleasant symptoms like nausea, dizziness and lethargy, cautions the Mayo Clinic. For this reason, doctors typically gradually reduce your dosage of the drug when treatment with it is no longer necessary.

Source:

Mayo Clinic: Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

Macalester College: What is Serotonin and What Does It Do?

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Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin will thereby increase the concentration of serotonin molecules in the

Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin will thereby increase the concentration molecules in the

What does serotonin reuptake mean

Drugs that block the reuptake of serotonin will thereby increase the concentration of serotonin molecules

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What does serotonin reuptake inhibitor mean?

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