A selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (or SSRI) is a prescribed medication that is used to treat certain brain conditions, such as depression, panic disorder, and obsessive-compulsive disorder. These types of disorders can be caused when a certain chemical in the brain called serotonin becomes unbalanced. SSRIs work by allowing more serotonin to remain in the brain for a longer period of time. As with any medication, there are potential side effects of SSRIs, such as dizziness, nausea, and insomnia.
SSRI stands for "selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor." SSRIs are prescription medications used for a number of brain conditions.
What Are SSRIs Used For?
SSRI antidepressants were initially used for depression. However, many of them are now approved for additional uses. Approved SSRI uses include the treatment of the following conditions:
Not all SSRIs are approved for all of the above uses (see Comparisons of SSRI Antidepressants for more information). For instance, only one of the SSRIs is approved to treat bulimia.
(Click SSRI Effects for more information on these uses, along with possible off-label uses for SSRI antidepressants.)
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