: any of a class of antidepressants (such as fluoxetine) that inhibit the inactivation of serotonin by blocking its reuptake by presynaptic neuron endings

called also selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

Examples of SSRI in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Some panelists also called for stronger warnings on SSRI drug labels. Aria Bendix, NBC news, 24 Feb. 2026 Food and Drug Administration Commissioner Marty Makary has also suggested that SSRI use among pregnant women could lead to poor birth outcomes. Kff Health News, Oc Register, 23 Feb. 2026 Most were taking either a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) or a serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitor (SNRI). Emily Kay Votruba, EverydayHealth.com, 11 Dec. 2025 In the case of some drugs like selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) antidepressants, the medications may change the levels of neurotransmitters, such as serotonin, in the brain, which can affect dreams and nightmares. Stacey Colino, Time, 3 Nov. 2025 SNRIs are often seen as a second line of defense if SSRI treatment does not help, per NYU Langone. Hannah Yasharoff, USA Today, 6 Oct. 2025 Tuesday’s report states that HHS will assemble a working group of federal officials to evaluate SSRI prescribing patterns, specifically among children. Sarah Owermohle, CNN Money, 9 Sep. 2025 Emily Corwin is one of millions of people who has taken an SSRI. Emily Kwong, NPR, 2 Sep. 2025 Multiple public-health researchers and clinicians have added that prior studies did not establish a causal link between SSRI use and mass shootings. Hannah Parry, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Aug. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of SSRI was in 1991

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Cite this Entry

“SSRI.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/SSRI. Accessed 28 Feb. 2026.

Medical Definition

: any of a class of antidepressants (as fluoxetine or sertraline) that inhibit the inactivation of serotonin by blocking its reuptake by presynaptic nerve cell endings

called also selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor

compare snri
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