SSRIs: In a Nutshell (Nursing)

00:00 So let's wrap up this video series.

00:03 Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, the SSRIs, increase circulating serotonin in the synapses.

00:10 They do this by blocking the reuptake of serotonin into the neuron.

00:15 So serotonin is a neurotransmitter. Now we believe it to help regulate a lot of things.

00:20 Look, mood, social behavior, appetite, digestion, sleep, memory, and sexual desire and function.

00:27 Antidepressants may increase suicidal tendency early in the treatment so remember to ask your patients those tough questions and be on the lookout for signs of increasing depression.

00:38 Prescription should be the smallest number of doses and smallest size dose possible that's effective for your patient.

00:46 Some patients on SSRIs can develop serotonin syndrome.

00:51 Remember, that can be a life threatening autonomic instability.

00:56 And lastly, if SSRIs are not effective treatment for depression, the health care provider may consider serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors or a norepinephrine-dopamine reuptake inhibitor.

01:11 Thank you for watching our video today.