Which medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for anxiety and depression?

Which medication is classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI) for anxiety and depression?

• A. Sertraline (Zoloft)
• B. Venlafaxine (Effexor)
• C. Fluoxetine (Prozac)
• D. Duloxetine (Cymbalta)

Answer: (C)

Sertraline, also known as Zoloft, is a medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic cell, thereby enhancing mood and emotional regulation. While fluoxetine (Prozac) is indeed an SSRI and is widely prescribed for similar conditions, sertraline is recognized for its efficacy and broad usage in treating various forms of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as major depressive disorder. The other medications listed serve different roles. Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are classified as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which target both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Although they can also be effective for anxiety and depression, they do not fit the SSRI classification.

Sertraline, also known as Zoloft, is a medication classified as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor (SSRI), which is commonly used to treat anxiety and depression. SSRIs work by increasing the level of serotonin in the brain by inhibiting its reuptake into the presynaptic cell, thereby enhancing mood and emotional regulation.

While fluoxetine (Prozac) is indeed an SSRI and is widely prescribed for similar conditions, sertraline is recognized for its efficacy and broad usage in treating various forms of anxiety disorders, including social anxiety disorder, panic disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder, as well as major depressive disorder.

The other medications listed serve different roles. Venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) are classified as serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs), which target both serotonin and norepinephrine in the brain. Although they can also be effective for anxiety and depression, they do not fit the SSRI classification.