Clin Pharmacokinet
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This paper presents an overview of the clinically relevant pharmacology of selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) with an emphasis on their pharmacokinetics and effects on cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzymes. The SSRIs are potent inhibitors of the neuronal reuptake pump for serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine; 5-HT) and have minimal effects on a number of other sites of actions (e.g. neuroreceptors and fast sodium channels). For this reason, drugs in this class have remarkable similarity as regards acute and maintenance antidepressant efficacy and tolerability profile. ⋯ Paroxetine substantially inhibits CYP2D6 but doses not appear to inhibit any other CYP enzyme. Sertraline produces mild inhibition of CYP2D6 but has little, if any, effect on CYP1A2, CYP2C9/10, CYP2C19 or CYP3A3/4. Understanding the similarities and differences in the pharmacology of SSRIs can aid the clinician in optimal use of this important class of antidepressants.