SSRIs

[pagandeva2000, LPN]

I am always reading on medications, and I am trying to simplify how they work for myself and to explain to the patients I serve at my clinic. I want to know if I summarized this information correctly:

SSRIs:

Serotonin regulates anger, aggression, body temperature, mood, sleep, appetite and sexuality.

Lower levels of serotonin increase aggressive behavior, OCD, depression, bipolar disorders and anxiety.

The purpose of inhibiting serotonin uptake is to leave more serotonin available for mood regulation.

Am I on the right track? And, what is serotonin syndrome?

Thanks, everyone!

[shock-me-sane]

serotonin syndrome is an excess of serotonin in the body which can cause autonomic instability, fever, tremors, rigidity, delirium, seizures, coma and of course death.

If the patient takes MAOIs they are at increased risk of development. You also don't want tricyclics with SSRIs because of tricyclic toxicity.

you might also want to mention that it can take 2-3 weeks to see/feel an improvement (this is also the time that a suicidal person is at greatest risk...once the meds start working), sexual side effects are normal and possibly weight gain.