What class of medications inhibits the reuptake of serotonin?

Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) specifically target the serotonin system in the brain by inhibiting the reuptake of serotonin at the synaptic cleft. This process increases the availability of serotonin for neurotransmission, which is thought to contribute to their antidepressant effects. SSRIs are commonly used to treat depression, anxiety disorders, and certain other psychiatric conditions.

This mechanism of action distinguishes SSRIs from other classes of medications, such as norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitors, which focus on different neurotransmitter systems, or monoamine oxidase inhibitors, which prevent the breakdown of neurotransmitters rather than directly affecting reuptake. Tricyclic antidepressants do have an effect on serotonin reuptake, but their action is less selective than that of SSRIs, as they can also inhibit the reuptake of norepinephrine and have a broader range of side effects due to their impact on other receptors.