Side Effects of Serotonin-Boosting Medications

Probably the greatest advances in psychiatric medications of the last 15 years have involved the neurotransmitter serotonin. First was the arrival of serotonin-specific antidepressants with fewer side effects and greater safety than their predecessors. More recently, atypical antipsychotics have highlighted the importance of serotonin-dopamine interactions in the optimal treatment of schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders. While these are indeed significant advances, medications that alter serotonin activity are not without their own side effect burden. 

TABLE 13.6. Medications that Enhance Serotonin Activity 

Medication Serotonin Activity Transmitters Clinical Uses 

Monoamine Blocks enzyme that 11 Norepinephrine Depression 

Nefazodone Blocks serotonin Blocks serotonin-2 Depression 

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