Serotonin reuptake inhibition: an update on current research strategies.
Selective Serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) have contributed to the major advances in the treatment of depression and other psychiatric diseases. This review summarises current knowledge concerning the SSRI class of drugs and discusses the importance of secondary pharmacology in the mechanism of action and effectiveness of these drugs. Particular attention is given to the emerging importance of the SSRI  plus  approach: where the serotonin reuptake receptor inhibition of a drug is supplemented by one or more other receptor interactions either by the same drug or by a combination therapy. This area of research has shed light on the pharmacological mechanisms of SSRI therapy and has the therapeutic usefulness of serotonin reuptake inhibition, especially in the area of depression. There are many new emerging SSRI  plus  drugs, which address the pharmacological and pharmacokinetic issues of current therapies and these, are discussed in detail.
Spinks
D
D
Department of Medicinal Chemistry, Organon Laboratories Ltd., Newhouse, Lanarkshire, Scotland, ML1 5SH, UK. G.Spinks@organon.nhe.akkzonobel.nl
Spinks
G
G
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000494:pharmacology*
D018687:Antidepressive Agents, Second-Generation; D017367:Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors