Serotonin transporter (SLC6A4)
Also known as: SERT, SLC6A4, 5-HTT, serotonin-transporter
Uptake transporter (SLC6A4) located on serotonergic terminals, which recycles serotonin into the neurone. It is the therapeutic target of SSRIs (fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram) and SNRIs (venlafaxine, duloxetine).
SERT inhibition raises synaptic serotonin; combining multiple serotonergic drugs (SSRI + tramadol, SSRI + MAOI, SSRI + linezolid) can cause serotonin syndrome.
Substrates: serotonin (endogenous neurotransmitter).
Inhibitors (SSRIs/SNRIs): fluoxetine, sertraline, paroxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, venlafaxine, duloxetine, fluvoxamine; non-selective inhibitors: tramadol, linezolid, clomipramine.
Inducers: there are no clinically relevant inducers.
Serotonin syndrome is potentially fatal: hyperthermia, agitation, myoclonus, hyperreflexia. Highest risk with MAOI + SSRI combination (minimum 2-week washout).
DailyMed/FDA (NIH/NLM) — approved labels (fluoxetine, sertraline, venlafaxine); EMC-UK (MHRA) — SmPC
