Which of the following drugs is not an SSRI?

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Multiple Choice

Which of the following drugs is not an SSRI?

Explanation:
The concept tested is how antidepressants are classified by their mechanism of reuptake inhibition. SSRIs act by selectively blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT), which increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft. Fluvoxamine, sertraline, and fluoxetine all fit this mechanism, hence they are SSRIs. Venlafaxine, however, is an SNRI. It blocks both the serotonin transporter and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). At lower doses it mainly affects serotonin reuptake, but as the dose increases it also significantly inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. This dual action is why venlafaxine is not an SSRI.

The concept tested is how antidepressants are classified by their mechanism of reuptake inhibition. SSRIs act by selectively blocking the serotonin transporter (SERT), which increases serotonin levels in the synaptic cleft. Fluvoxamine, sertraline, and fluoxetine all fit this mechanism, hence they are SSRIs.

Venlafaxine, however, is an SNRI. It blocks both the serotonin transporter and the norepinephrine transporter (NET). At lower doses it mainly affects serotonin reuptake, but as the dose increases it also significantly inhibits norepinephrine reuptake. This dual action is why venlafaxine is not an SSRI.

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