What are two major classes of antidepressants?

What are two major classes of antidepressants?

• A. Monoamine oxidase inhibitors and SSRIs
• B. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and Tricyclics
• C. Beta blockers and antihistamines
• D. Antipsychotics and mood stabilizers

Answer: (B)

Antidepressants are categorized by how they alter brain neurotransmitters. Two major classes that are widely emphasized are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse and helping elevate mood with relatively favorable tolerability compared to older drugs. Tricyclic antidepressants, on the other hand, block the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin and also interact with other receptor systems, which can produce strong antidepressant effects but come with more side effects and a greater risk in overdose. These two groups are considered major because of their long-standing use, well-established efficacy, and foundational role in antidepressant treatment. Examples include fluoxetine or sertraline for the SSRI class, and amitriptyline or nortriptyline for the TCA class. Other classes exist, such as MAO inhibitors, but SSRIs and TCAs are the two most prominently recognized as major antidepressant groups in many curricula.

Antidepressants are categorized by how they alter brain neurotransmitters. Two major classes that are widely emphasized are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors and tricyclic antidepressants.

Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors work by blocking the reuptake of serotonin, increasing its availability in the synapse and helping elevate mood with relatively favorable tolerability compared to older drugs. Tricyclic antidepressants, on the other hand, block the reuptake of both norepinephrine and serotonin and also interact with other receptor systems, which can produce strong antidepressant effects but come with more side effects and a greater risk in overdose.

These two groups are considered major because of their long-standing use, well-established efficacy, and foundational role in antidepressant treatment. Examples include fluoxetine or sertraline for the SSRI class, and amitriptyline or nortriptyline for the TCA class. Other classes exist, such as MAO inhibitors, but SSRIs and TCAs are the two most prominently recognized as major antidepressant groups in many curricula.