# SSRIs --- **SSRIs** are **Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors** are [[antidepressants]] which, as the name states, blocks the reuptake of [[serotonin]] so that it stays around longer. They are commonly proscribed for lots of things. Take 2 + weeks for full effect・ Common side effects include headache, GI distress (remember, the most of the serotonin in your body isn't in your brain, it's in your gut), sexual dysfunction.・ Some people have discontinuation syndrome (negative effects when you stop taking them, like flu-like symptoms. also "brain zaps").・ Black box warning for increased suicidalideation and behavior inpeople under 24years. really only helpful if you take them every day, at least 2 weeks but more like 4 in reality. also, the side effects show up first, which suck, but if you can wait them out they get better ## Mechanism of Action it does decrease the serotonin reuptake, so we thought for a hot minute there that a deficit of serotonin was causing depression...but it turns out the levels actually even out so we're back to "i dunno what causes depression" ## Contraindications ## Adverse Reactions A B C D Can cause insomnia, so give before noon. ## Examples - **fluoxetine** (brand name: **Prozac**) - **sertraline** (brand name: **Zoloft**) - you can give this at bedtime? - Messes with the drug metabolism in the liver, so watch all the other drugs too - Avoid St. John Wart with Zoloft, this can cause [[serotonin#Serotonin Syndrome|serotonin syndrome]] - Avoid with [[warfarin|Coumadin]], because it will cause you to bleed out. - **escitalopram** (brand name: **Lexapro**) - **paroxetine** - **citalopram** ___