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Treatment Options
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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors
Depression is characterized by low levels of the neurotransmitters dopamine, norepinephrine, and serotonin in the brain. Neurotransmitters are released from the ends of nerve cells (presynaptic cells), cross the space between nerves (the synaptic cleft), connect with specific sites (receptors) on other nerves to convey a message, and then reabsorb into the cells to be used again. Generally, antidepressants increase the action of one or more neurotransmitters by blocking their reuptake (reabsorption). In general, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) block the reuptake of serotonin. Because they affect mainly a single neurotransmitter, SSRIs are more selective with fewer side effects than antidepressants that work on more than one neurotransmitter. The SSRIs are currently the most commonly prescribed antidepressants because of their effectiveness and decreased amount of side effects.
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Serotonin Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) increase the amount of serotonin in synapses by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin into the cells. .
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Drugs in the class
Escitalopram (Lexapro)
Fluoxetine Oral Solution (Prozac Oral Solution)
Fluvoxamine (Luvox)
Fluoxetine tablets or capsules (Prozac)
Paroxetine Oral Suspension (Paxil Suspension)
Citalopram (Celexa)
Sertraline (Zoloft)
Citalopram Oral Solution (Celexa Solution)
Sertraline Oral Solution (Zoloft Oral Solution)
Paroxetine (Paxil, Paxil CR, Pexeva) |
