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Hence the first S and the I in SSRI. A filter in certain areas increases other areas. Doesn't change overall values.

I'm not sure what you're suggesting, but SSRIs definitely do change a number of measurable metrics of the serotonin system by prolonging the duration of serotonin in the extrasynaptic space. This is well studied.

The first "S" is for selective, meaning they have minimal affinities beyond the serotonin transporter.

Where do you get that from? SSRIs act on SERT and SERT handles reuptake from the synaptic cleft, not from extracellular space which is ”vacuumed” by MAOA/B and COMT.

I don't think we're disagreeing. Increasing duration spent in one place doesn't change the total count of the molecule. SSRIs don't make the body produce more. That's okay, they work by other means.

The S for Selective actually means it only works on serotonin, compared with say, an SNRI, which works on both serotonin and norepinephrine. Impacting the overall values is in fact pretty much the only thing it does.

This is true, but inaccurate, as it only accounts for the direct effects.

However, increased serotonin receptor agonism also increases downstream dopamine and norepinephrine release.

SRIs are a separate class of drugs: https://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/Serotonin_reuptake_inhibitor

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