Definition:
Class of antidepressants commonly prescribed for eating disorders and related disorders. Examples include Prozac (fluoxetine), Paxil (paroxetine), Lexapro (escitalopram), Celexa (citalopram), and Zoloft (sertraline). An SSRI keeps more of the chemical serotonin active in the brain by restricting the brain's ability to reabsorb it after it is secreted. Serotonin is involved in the regulation of mood and anxiety.
Pronunciation: seh-LEK-tiv SER-ah-TONE-en RE-UP'-take en-HIB-it-er
Examples: The doctor was only willing to prescribe an SSRI for Sam's depression after his weight had risen to a normal level.
