Transporters

SERT

Serotonin transporter (SLC6A4)

Also known as: SERT, SLC6A4, 5-HTT, serotonin-transporter

What it is

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).

Role in interactions

SERT inhibition raises synaptic serotonin; combining multiple serotonergic drugs (SSRI + tramadol, SSRI + MAOI, SSRI + linezolid) can cause serotonin syndrome.

Common substrates1

serotonin (endogenous neurotransmitter)

Inhibitors11

fluoxetine sertraline paroxetine citalopram escitalopram venlafaxine duloxetinefluvoxaminenon-selective inhibitors: tramadollinezolidclomipramine

Inducers1

there are no clinically relevant inducers

Clinical notes

Serotonin syndrome is potentially fatal: hyperthermia, agitation, myoclonus, hyperreflexia. Highest risk with MAOI + SSRI combination (minimum 2-week washout).