New research shows that the popular, and sometimes controversial, antidepressants known as selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) boost serotonin levels on two fronts.The finding could explain why these medications often take weeks to work, the scientists report in the April 7 issue of Neuron. Apparently, SSRIs kick off a two-pronged process that puts serotonin levels back into balance. Serotonin is a brain chemical that scientists believe is in short supply in depressed people.
