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Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor

By Kimberly Read & Marcia Purse, About.com

Updated November 20, 2006

About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by the Medical Review Board

Definition:

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitor - SSRI for short - is a class of antidepressant drugs. These medications work by preventing the neurotransmitter serotonin from being reabsorbed by the nerve cell that released it, thus forcing the serotonin to remain actively working, which has been shown to ease depression in some patients.

SSRIs include: See also reuptake.
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