Antidepressants are widely prescribed medications used to treat depression, anxiety, and obsessive-compulsive disorders. Commonly used antidepressants include selective serotonin (5-hydroxytryptamine [5-HT]) reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs). The main component of SSRIs is fluoxetine. It acts by increasing extracellular 5-HT levels in the peripheral system. The 5-HT reuptake receptors are mostly found on bone cells. Studies have shown that antidepressants may cause decrease in bone formation owing to increased extracellular 5-HT levels on bone cells. Anti-inflammatory effects of antidepressants have also been reported. On the basis of these findings, in this review, we aimed to explain the possible interactions between antidepressants and orthodontic applications.
Cite this article as: Yıldırım G, Elvin F. Effect of antidepressants and its orthodontic implications. Essent Dent. 1(1):12-16.