The “gut” isn’t just for digestion - via the gut–brain axis, it influences our mood and cognition: with more than 50% of dopamine in the body being synthesised in the gut. Yet SSRIs may exert antimicrobial effects, reducing key bacteria (e.g. Ruminococcus, Oscillospira, Prevotella), which could undermine neurotransmitter production, contribute to the 40% relapse rate after chronic SSRI use, and even link to enduring sexual dysfunction via Ruminococcaceae disruption. The reason why SSRIs exert an antimicrobial effect is also poorly understood, but one of the popular theories is by inhibiting Efflux pumps. These are specialised proteins on the cell membrane which expel toxic substances from the cells. SSRIs work by inhibiting the serotonin transporter SERT, and reduced SERT expression has been found as cause of IBD. One study found as many as one in four people with IBD to be suffering from depression, considerably greater than in the general population. Another study looking at 1.2 million IBD patients also found that 38% suffered from anxiety. For references and more visit: secondlifeguide.com/2024/04/06/ssr…