Acute selective serotonin-reuptake inhibition elevates basal ventilation, attenuates the rebreathing ventilatory response, independent of cerebral perfusion.

Serotonin (5-HT) is integral to signalling in areas of the brainstem controlling ventilation and is involved in central chemoreception. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), used to effectively increase 5-HT concentrations, are commonly prescribed for depression. The effects of SSRIs on the control of breathing and the potential influence of cerebral blood flow (CBF) have not been directly assessed.