SRIs (serotonin reuptake inhibitors) are substances that work on a similar principle to the more familiar SSRIs (selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors), which are mainly found in many of today's antidepressants. Their principle of action is based on the fact that they block the reuptake of serotonin in the presynaptic part of the neuron, thereby increasing the amount of serotonin in the synapse. The increase in serotonin levels then helps to relieve anxiety, depression and other neuroses that arise from its deficiency.
Compared to SSRIs, SRIs differ in that they do not act selectively, i.e. they can pick up and therefore increase the amount of other neurotransmitters such as norepinephrine and dopamine. SRIs and SSRIs must not be combined with other types of antidepressants and substances acting on their basis, e.g. MAOI antidepressants and plants acting as MAOIs - Banisteriopsis Caapi or Peganum harmala.
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