ANTIDEPRESSANTS SSRIS

• what does SSRI stand for?

  selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors
• what are low levels of the neurotransmitter serotonin associated with?

  depression and OCD, so drugs to increase serotonin levels are used
• what does serotonin do\?

  regulates mood and anxiety
• how does serotonin work?

  • released into a synapse from one nerve/neuron
  • targets receptor cells on the receiving neuron at receptor sites and afterwards is re-absorbed by the initial neuron sending the message
• what does the SSRI do?

  inhibits absorption of serotonin which means more serotonin is in the synapse and OCD symptoms reduced
• give pros of SSRIs?

  less likely to have a serious OCD

  Fewer side effects
• give an example of an SSRI?

  prozac