Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors

SSRI Structure

A group of medicines known as the Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) are of great concern in the treatment of depression during last 30 years. Those pharmaceuticals are result of numerous researches dedicated to development of antidepressant medications with high efficacy, minimal anticholinergic and adverse effects and good tolerance. 5 drugs classified as Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors are produced now. But there are amount of invention in those drugs that allows physician to choose a specific medicine depending on individuality of patient. Chemical structure of SSRIs is shown abovementioned picture. Good tolerance and few serious adverse effects are the most advantages of those medicines.
The common features of SSRIs include:
1. Little or no anticholinergic activity (clomipramine is the exception)
2. Wide therapeutic window, few cardiac effects, no arrhythmias, no orthostasis
3. Relatively safe in overdose, no seizures, no coma, no respiratory depression
4. Well tolerated
5. A flat dose response curve
6. Equal efficacy (one is not more effective than another as long as equi-therapeutic doses are compared)
7. Similar effects on cortical beta and 5HT-2 receptors