Selective serotonin uptake inhibitor

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In medicine, selective serotonin uptake inhibitors (SSRI) are second-generation antidepressants that potentiate the effect of serotonin by blocking its uptake from the synaptic cleft. These were the initial subgroup of the second generation, demonstrating generally improved side effects over the first-generation tricyclic antidepressants and monoamine oxidase inhibitors.

While SSRIs remain the group most often prescribed, both clinical response and side effects vary with individual patients. An atypical second-generation drug such as venlafaxine may induce faster and more reliable relief of depression, but also may have more side effects.

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References

  1. Kelly, Catherine M; David N Juurlink, Tara Gomes, Minh Duong-Hua, Kathleen I Pritchard, Peter C Austin, Lawrence F Paszat (2010-02-08). "Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and breast cancer mortality in women receiving tamoxifen: a population based cohort study". BMJ 340 (feb08_1): c693. DOI:10.1136/bmj.c693. Retrieved on 2010-02-10. Research Blogging.