Articles in the SSRI Category
Antidepressants, SSRI »
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) are a class of antidepressants considered the current standard of drug treatment. A possible cause of depression is an inadequate amount of serotonin, a chemical used in the brain to transmit signals between neurons. SSRIs are said to work by preventing the reuptake of serotonin (also known as 5-hydroxytryptamine, or 5-HT) by the presynaptic neuron, thus maintaining higher levels of 5-HT in the synapse. Chemists Klaus Schmiegel and Bryan Molloy of Eli Lilly discovered the first SSRI, fluoxetine. This class of …
Antidepressants, SSRI »
SSRI discontinuation syndrome
When was the SSRI discontinuation syndrome first recognized?
Reports began to emerge soon after the SSRIs were introduced in the late 1980s.
How common is it? The incidence and prevalence of this syndrome is not yet known. The few available discontinuation studies indicate minor forms of the syndrome may be common and severe forms unusual. A retrospective chart review of 171 clinic patients who discontinued an SSRI while under supervision, reported at least one new symptom in 20% and 14% of patients stopping paroxetine (Paxil) and fluvoxamine (Luvox), …
Antidepressants, SSRI »
LUSTRAL
How does it work?
Lustral tablets contain the active ingredient sertraline hydrochloride, which is a type of antidepressant known as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI). (NB. Sertraline tablets are also available without a brand name, ie as the generic medicine.)
Antidepressant medicines act on nerve cells in the brain. In the brain there are numerous different chemical compounds called neurotransmitters. These act as chemical messengers between the nerve cells. Serotonin is one such neurotransmitter and has various functions that we know of.
When serotonin is released from nerve cells in the …
Antidepressants, SSRI »
Zoloft – sertraline HCl
Zoloft is well tolerated and effective for the treatment of depression and certain anxiety conditions.
Zoloft is FDA approved to treat depression, certain types of social anxiety conditions, posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), panic disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder (OCD), and premenstrual dysphoric disorder (PMDD) in adults over age 18. It is also approved for OCD in children and adolescents age 6-17 years.
For more than 15 years, Zoloft has safely and effectively treated millions of people with depression and certain anxiety conditions. Zoloft is available in multiple strengths, so your doctor …
Antidepressants, SSRI »
Popular antidepressants including Prozac and Paxil have little impact on most patients, according to a comprehensive review of newly released data from trials that were conducted before the drugs were approved in the U.S.
Researchers from the U.K., U.S. and Canada analyzed results for fluoxetine (better known by the brand name Prozac), venlafaxine (Effexor), nefazodone (Serzone) and paroxetine (Paxil or Seroxat) — all members of a class of drugs known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The researchers’ paper, published this week in the journal PLoS Medicine, claims that only patients …
Antidepressants, SSRI »
Paroxetine – Brand Name: Paxil
Overview
Paxil is the brand name for Paroxetine, a phenylpiperidine derivative. Paxil is an SSRI – Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor, which is a type of antidepressant. SSRIs work by increasing levels of serotonin (a neurotransmitter) to normal.
Paxil’s effects can usually be felt within one to four weeks.
Why is this drug prescribed?
Paxil is used primarily to treat Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder (OCD.)
Paxil is also used to treat:
depression
panic disorder / panic attacks
diabetic nerve pain (neuropathy)
chronic tension headaches
social anxiety disorder (social phobia)
premature ejaculation
premenstrual syndrome (PMS)
Warnings
The safety and effectiveness of Paxil in children …
